Two cattleya flasks in perlite

[Bolero]

I think these flasks originated in Taiwan.....and it kept me busy yesterday. 30 seedlings from each one (might have got one or two small but didn't keep the tiny ones).

Slc Love Castle 'K' x Pot Burana Angel 'Hsinying'






Slc Pink Doll 'Garnet Sea' AM/AOS x Pot Angel Kiss 'No. 5'






Both Flasks together on the bench

[Becca]

Those are nice sized seedlings! Is it just pure perlite you are using or is the perlite mixed with another medium? How often do you water them? I think I have an itch to get another flask....it's been awhile and most of my babies are about the age equivalency of toddlers now!

[Bolero]

90% perlite but also have a small amount of peat moss and some bark. I am gradually moving to perlite only though.

In winter I water once a week and in summer twice unless it's super hot and then I water sometimes 3 times a week in summer. I grow outside under shade cloth all year round which means cold temps in winter and often hot temps in summer. Catt's are very adaptable.

[shadytrake]

NICE!

[silken]

I've never tried a flask, but am tempted (hubby will just roll his eyes or ). Do you have to let the media dry thoroughly in between watering as you would with adult catts?

Very nice plants by the way.

[Bolero]

Originally Posted by silken

I've never tried a flask, but am tempted (hubby will just roll his eyes or ). Do you have to let the media dry thoroughly in between watering as you would with adult catts?

Very nice plants by the way.

Yes pretty close to dry before rewatering them again, so far so good. I have deflasked quite a few now and I still get one or two plants lost but overall out of 30 plants they mostly survive. I have deflasked a couple of flasks where I haven't lost a single plant but normally I lose one of two.

These are growing ok so far, will keep you all posted.

[FairyInTheFlowers]

OOO! You are soooo lucky! I am thinking of getting a flask also, but from where or what I am unsure. I am leaning towards a Phal. primary hybrid if I were to get one. . .

[trunghongmon]

good nice Bolero and Thanks you !

[Call_Me_Bob]

very nice!! they look so healthy!

how do they do in 100% perlite? does it hold alot of water?

[Bolero]

Originally Posted by Call_Me_Bob

very nice!! they look so healthy!

how do they do in 100% perlite? does it hold alot of water?

They do better in perlite than they do in bark. I think there are two reasons, the perlite doesn't get as cold as wet bark in winter AND the neutral pH makes a big difference.

I have the best roots ever in perlite, small plants packed with roots in a 2 inch pot and they grow find down to very low temperatures.

Perlite doesn't hold a lot of water and is very light. I think that it dries out evenly.