Deflasking Den seedlings

[Chococatte]

I won this Den. fytchianum on Orchid Dendrobium fytchianum 1 flask40+plant THAI NR - eBay (item 120275096187 end time Jun-27-08 11:02:20 PDT) I'm in need of the expertise advise on how to properly deflask these babys without contaminating. I don't have a flow hood or glove box to create sterile environment. Grateful for your help and advise

[Royal]

As soon as you take them out of the flask, they are 'contaminated'. Contamination is only an issue if you plan on replating them. Deflasking is fun. Take your time, and don't force anything. Caring for the seedlings is what you need to prepare for.

[bonsai1504]

are you going to replate or put them in compots?

[allaKAZAAM]

Hello!
As said just above, you won't need to "replate" these seedlings. All you are going to do is "COMPOT" (community pot) them.
You will need:

Sphagnum Moss

Distilled water

Delicate use of your fingers

Tray with a Clear dome for humidity control (I use Mondi Domes...they have 2 swivel vent openings

I usually soak my moss in water with a light Physan solution (less than recommended amount), just to kill any bacteria/fungus in the moss. Protect your hands!
Then I squeeze out as much water as possible (until no more dripping). Then I get my tray and take the moss and pull it apart until it is very...VERY LOOSE!
Put aside for now.
Next I get my flask and open it. I pour in some of the distilled water and gently swirl it around (to help break-up the gelled media).
Then I empty the flask VERY gently into a bowl.
I then proceed to separate the seedlings very...VERY carefully. The root system on them is (for obvious reasons), very infantile/fragile...this is a slow and delicate process. Try to remove as much of the gelled media as possible.
Carefully placing the seedlings on a moistened cloth, remove and decaying/dead seedlings.
Now with the leftover moss, you get a little bit and "wrap loosely the roots and place in the tray with the other moss. Make even rows with room for growth, do not crowd them to much.
For some reason "Compots" help seedlings to grow...almost like a competition between the seedlings to see who grows the fastest!
Once you have "planted all your seedlings, place the clear dome on the tray and keep the vents fully closed, you will need the 100% humidity for around 3-7 days...acclimatizing the seedlings to the new environment.
I lightly spay with a fine mist once a week, unless the moss is wet (do not get moss wet!). keep moist, about the same dampness as the moss after you squeezed it "dry". Using a growth fertilizer very diluted in this process.

As for more on this, others will have to post...or just surf the net on info, amazing info out there and some will work, some won't. That's what growing orchids is about...learning to grow under your specific conditions... lol!
Success and enjoy!

Mark


OH!
Also...as stated above..once you open the flask, they are now contaminated, not a thing you can do about that...but at least you won't need all the special stuff to flask/re plate the seeds!

[Royal]

Just to be clear, everyone has their own way to do things. For example, I try to get all the media off too, but others swear that leaving it on works for them. You have gotten some really good tips, but the best one mark gave is probably to look around at several sources. You'll get the idea of what is crucial, and what is just stylistic. Just like growing mature orchids - many different ways to get to the same destination.

I think one thing most people agree on is filling the flask with tepid water to help soften things up. You can even let it sit for a few minutes. my

[Chococatte]

Thank you all, aaah how could I forget the rules of aspetic technique; what's sterile, once open, is no longer sterile sterile x unsterile = unsterile or contaminated (alittle Surg Tech humor ) Where can I buy a compot and plastic doom that was mentioned?

[allaKAZAAM]

Originally Posted by Chococatte

Where can I buy a compot and plastic doom that was mentioned?

These items aren't hard to find. I was able to buy from the Hydroponics store I go to for supplies.
Here is a link to what I am talking about...you can see the trays and the domes are the main info.

10" x 20" Tray Clear Humidome - 7" Tall - Mondi Brand


These are also good for keeping Orchids that require HIGH humidity that you cannot provide. Like having a mini-greenhouse. I am trying to figure out an alternative bottom so I can keep some of my mature orchids in them (they won't fit into the roughly 10" from top to bottom).
If you are a member of a Orchid Society, check to see if you get a discount. I know with my Society we get a 10% discount on items.
Hope this helps you out?!

Mark



Here is a link to this forum for info on Compot...as RoyalORchids stated (and myself too!)...searching the net and trial/error is your BEST companion...unless you have an Orchid Grower (professional that is) or a University Grad in horticulture who can help you.

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...earchid=203684

Caring for Seedlings Removed from Flasks and A Method of Compotting in Sphagnum

One last thing before I get past the editing button!
At the bottom of this page is a list of "Similar Threads"...check these out too..may be helpful!

[georgetoo]

This is roughly what I did with my first deflasking(still in progress). I started with bedford orchids flasks(phals) and used their instructions for deflasking with the exception that I used the domes as stated above.

I immediately had mold and decay. I used US store bought sphag. I have no physan here and was afraid to use benoyml on the young plants. Since benoyml is a systemic I did not use it on the moss. Looks like I might save 60% of my initial 66 seedlings deflasked.

Any other way of sterilizing moss?

Anyone have a link to den flasks (looking for another project). I see lots of sites for catts and phals but have not found any dens. Ebay is out of the question down here (Chapala, Mexico).

[Royal]

The domes work. You can also get the 'seed starter' kits from lowes and just toss the little peat pellets. May be cheaper.

I've used the clear 'clamshell' type deli containers that a local gas station serves (terrible) nachos in. I just asked if I could by a few empty ones and she gave me a stack. I've also used coolers and rubbermaid storage bins covered with cling wrap. Keep it super humid, but err on the side of dryness. Soggy seedlings turn to mush fast.


You can disinfect sphagnum moss by pouring boiling on it.

[Yukonphal]

maybe you could use 2 lids...one upside down???