Plant project- reviving the flask/seedling project idea

[Rowangreen]

So are folks still interested in doing this? Show season is starting, my local show (London) is in 2-3 weeks... it would be great if I could get something there!

It's still looking to me like the most workable option is just to say 'lets all get a phal' and folks choose what they want to get...

I've also been in touch with Equatorial Plants here in the UK. One thing he has in both small and large flasks is Maxillaria picta. I know there was some interest in that last project but we didn't have availabilty. I'm thinking IF someone was willing to do it, that would be an option for sending one big flask to the Americas for the person recieving to split.

But maybe it's time we stopped going in circles and settle on phals (or some other easily obtainable genus?)

[Call_Me_Bob]

I'm a little late here, but I think ordering a flask of a specified genera sounds like the best idea. I vote for Phals! Paphs can take many many years. Some phals, especially if it's an equestris cross, can bloom on very small plants.

[greengarden]

Maybe to account for availability then we could say one species such as schilleriana and then offer the option of an equestris hybrid that is fairly widely available. Gives an option either was for those that prefer species or hybrids and hopefully makes them accessible enough for most people.

[SlipperGirl]

wow I am late This sounds like fun, I dont know if I can join in or not since I am new to the forum and to orchids but if no one minds that I join in I would love to Is anyone doing this project still, looks like this discussiom just stoped.

[cbuchman]

Sounds good to me!

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by mothorchidgirl

wow I am late This sounds like fun, I dont know if I can join in or not since I am new to the forum and to orchids but if no one minds that I join in I would love to Is anyone doing this project still, looks like this discussiom just stoped.

If this project idea goes though, it is not be the best for for beginners to join. Raising orchids from flask is much more challenging than buying an already established plant. I'm not saying you can't join, just warning you that it may not be the most beginner friendly project, also depending on which genus we pick.

Usually the projects were geared towards everyone, but we've been doing that many years, there's too many people joining those, and some of us were up for a challenge this time.

[cbuchman]

I've never raised anything from flask, but am a reasonably experienced grower. I'm sure that there are others like me who are beginners in this arena and are looking forward to the learning experience too

[Rowangreen]

OK, my proposal is, if no one objects, we decide on phals. They are easily available, easy, and quick.

If that's OK I suggest we vote on a 'core species'. Basically people try to get that or a hybrid of it, but if they can't, (or really don't want to) they can still be in the project as long as they get something in the genus.

Does that sound like a good plan?

[escualida]

sounds good to me, I'm in.

[Call_Me_Bob]

Sounds good to me, although I don't even know if choosing a "core species" is necessary. Most phals will be the same as far as culture goes for the de-flasking and seedling growing stages.