Compots and Flasks - When to repot/deflask

[ldaniels]

Happy Friday everyone!!

I've only just learned about flasking and compots (here I thought I kept reading sites that were spelling compote wrong!)

After doing some searching online for online sellers, I found Carmela Orchids and gave them a call. The owner (Sheldon) is a delight! After chatting about my newness and all my questions about flasks and compots, he offered me a deal on some compots and flasks (with free shipping, can't argue with that!).

Now my dilemma.....I have compots and a flask on their way and have no clue what to have ready for them!!

Do compots typically require immediate repotting into individual pots or can they remain a community for a while?
How long can babies stay in the flask?

I'm not sure if I need to have pots and medium at the ready or if I can enjoy my loot for a while then plan based on what ends up being delivered.

Sorry if someone has asked this before, I tried doing a search on the subject but couldn't find specific answers.

Any help is MUCH appreciated!!

-ld

[orchidsarefun]

you don't mention the orchids you are getting - that does matter !
In the propagation section you will find a lot of data ( mine under Nobby's Amy and Harold Fister, for example ). There is also also a lot of data in the latest Project thread.
Generally speaking flasks are only released when ready for compotting. I have always deflasked more or less straight away but I have been told a week or 2 delay is fine. It also depends if you receive the flasks in good condition - the seedlings could have been jumbled up in the flask by the mail carrier, for example, and in that instance it would be good to deflask. Plants in compots can remain that way until too crowded. I have seen compots of 25 plants ultimately thinned down to 3-4 per pot, over a period of months. I have also read of seedlings flowering in a group compot at about 2 years - depending on the genus you are receiving.
In the meantime you should ensure that you have the proper lighting and humidity for your new arrivals.
Good Luck !!!

[ldaniels]

Wow..thank you for your quick response!!

I apologize, I should have posted that they will all be Cattleyas

I've purchased a "grow light" system and have trays with humidity domes/lids ready.

I guess I should wait and see what I get ...take pictures of the compots and flask for the board and then it will be easier to give me feedback on whether the plants look like they need repotting.

I'm just so excited and eager..and don't want to mess anything up!!

Thank you again

[Cym Ladye]

Just a heads up on compots from Carmela: In my experience, some of the plantlets will be VERY large and ready for potting up immediately, some into 5" pots. The flask should also be planted out as soon as you can. A good rule of thumb is never to let seedlings remain too long in whatever containers they are in, and that includes potting them up out of the small pots too when the time comes. In other words, never stress a seedling.

[ldaniels]

thank you for the heads up, Cym Ladye! I did a search online and found a few people that have posted pictured of their compots from Carmela, and you're right, some of them had large plants!!

Oh my...I'm about to have a large amount of orchids in a short amount of time and I hope I can keep them all alive

[My Green Pets]

Hi,

I am also growing some cattleya seedlings. I have a thread that might be interesting for you.

High humidity, good air movement, and clean water are my recommendations!

Cattleya rex seedlings

[ldaniels]

CambriaWhat! Thank you! I love your progress post.....so helpful!

He are all your seedlings now? Post an update picture, please!!

[My Green Pets]

Thank you! They are doing all right, but progress is so slow! I will post an update soon.

[ldaniels]

Looking forward to your update, CambriaWhat

So I've ordered pots and medium and I "think" I'm ready for my babies to arrive!