How to deflask?

[brewmyster]

I just recieved an Onc. Sharry Baby 'Sweet Fragrance' flask from peaandshel, Carmela Orchids. I am new to deflasking. I would like to know best way to do this and what would be best media. I have attached pix of the flask and the media I use for my phals and small root orchids. This mix is small bark, charcoal,sponge rock and some coconut chips. I was thinking that I would need to add some Pro-Mix to this media mix for these small plants.

Any advise would be much appreciated

Thanks
Mark

[Swamper]

You are about to have a whole lotta fun. Here's how I did my vanda flasks. Vanda Flask to Compot Pics
Not exactly what you will be doing but similar. Keep us posted, take step by step pictures. Enjoy it.

[brewmyster]

Well when I decide to deflask I will try to take pictures of how I do it. Hopefully I do it right. I will post here.

Mark

[Swamper]

Looking forward to it Mark.

[Royal]

Hey Mark,

It looks like you may need to break that flask to get all the plants out without over-handling them. Here are a few other tips:

Pour a bit of lukewarm water in the flask about a half hour ahead of time to help loosen up the agar and soften up the plants.

That media looks fine, just soak it well ahead of time to get it good and wet. I use a little physan in the first soak, then a rinse, then a soak in fertlilzer solution.

Resist the urge to divide out every single seedling. you can pot clumps of seedlings that don't want to separate - this will also save you bench space.

And finally, don't baby them. I've killed more seedlings by keeping them too moist or dark. The first few weeks are delicate, but you want to give them good light and food to minimize any shock.

Good Luck!

[brewmyster]

So you think the media is OK, Royal? I was going to add some ProMix. But if you think this is good you know better than I. This will be my first try at this. I will take you other steps of advise and plan to take pixs as I go.

Mark

[Royal]

I would stick to what works for you. I have had good luck with some seedling bark mixes so that's what I'd use. If you're using this stuff for other orchids, you already know how it behaves in your conditions.