Flasks (Project 15 - Spring 2013)

[billc]

They look to be doing real well.

Bill

[ALToronto]

I'm overdue for an update. My phals have been struggling a bit with the cold temperatures on the windowsill, but they're still managing to grow. The fluctuations between night and day can be dramatic, especially on sunny days when it can get to 25C (77F), while at night they're shivering at 16C (62F). So here's the complete class photo:



Quite a range between the strong growers and the runts, but they all seem to be progressing somewhat. I've lost a few really weak plants, but overall, I'm very pleased with the survival rate so far.

The 'bag babies' at the bottom of the photo are lycaste seedlings - yes, I'm completely crazy, since I have absolutely no room for such huge plants. But I just love lycastes, and this cross promises to have 15 cm (6") flowers. I deflasked them this past weekend, so I'm keeping them bagged for a while.

[billc]

That group on the left has some impressive roots.

Bill

[ALToronto]

Originally Posted by billc

That group on the left has some impressive roots.

Bill

Thanks Bill! I credit fish/seaweed fertilizer. I use Neptune's Harvest every other watering (K-Lite otherwise), all at about 20 ppm N. Everyone's been telling me that these seedlings would wither with the cold temps, but something's been keeping them growing. Maybe it's all the algae and springtails in the pots.

[Brooke]

Originally Posted by ALToronto

Everyone's been telling me that these seedlings would wither with the cold temps,

I'm not going to let my Phals read this thread because I tell mine they are fine at 60

Brooke

[ALToronto]

I just inspected my phals, and noticed that many of the thick, healthy roots that start growing out of the plants tend to shrivel at the tip as soon as they touch the algae-coated sphagnum. At the same time, many roots inside the sphagnum are green and healthy.

I haven't changed the moss since the initial potting - is it time? I thought that sphagnum should last at least a year, and it's been about 8 months. I do have a lot of algae on the moss - is it harmful? I didn't think it was. I've been fertilizing with 20-30 ppm N, occasionally flushing with RO water. I didn't think I was over-doing it - was I?

[zxyqu]

I'd like to hear the answer to that ALToronto. So hopefully someone has one.

Wanted to revive the thread a bit, as I just noticed something!. Just checked in the plants and I've got my first spike from my flask of LD's Bear Queen I got from Kingfisher! Super excited. Still small and may stall but these plants have been great growers. They were really large out of flask as well. ImageUploadedByTapatalk1394912396.982842.jpgImageUploadedByTapatalk1394912409.981629.jpg

[bballr4567]

A couple of mine have the larger roots but all are growing straight into the moss.

Those LDs are huge. Good growing for sure.

[Call_Me_Bob]

That's awesome Jared! How long have been out of flask?

[billc]

My paph philippinense flasklings had started to have issues with the leaves and were starting to get washed out looking, probably from too much light. They had mostly doubled to tripled in size from when I compotted them in July or August so I thought it might be time to check out the roots. I was fairly amazed at the root growth they had, some were 4-5 inches. Only had 2 runts that have no roots but are still hanging in there. I potted them up into individual pots and maybe in another 4-5 years I'll see some blooms.
Now I'll be on the lookout for more flasks!



Bill