what now?
 

this is my first time ever flasking orchids, i'm doing vandopsis gigantea seeds and they are becoming protocorms. Now here is where i am confused, i have them in glass tazo tea jars that i just reused. I have seen people talking about making an air hole because there are some sort of harmful gasses or something that build up, and it seems like some people say you have to do it while others say you don't have to. what do i do??!?! cause i don't want contamination to get in. Keep in mind they are in really early stages of protocorm but i can see more and more development by the day.

Greg

I wouldn't poke holes until someone knowlegeable gives you an answer. I have seen flasks but never with holes for air, likely due to the possibility of contamination.

alright, thanks!

I think by holes you actually mean transferring to a new flask with new media that contains a hole in the lid covered by some sort of material (like a bandaid strip, etc). This allows gaseous exchange without contaminating the flask. But remember you need to do this in sterile conditions as you did before.

ohhhhhhhhh that makes sense, but when do i know when to transfer them? when they get their first roots?

Hello
there are 2 "philosophies"
1) without hole
2) with the hole covered with appropriate filters which prevent the contamination.

Personally I prefer no holes, grow just as well.

The jars are usually replace every 3 4 months.

Yeah, the "hole" is actually a vent to allow the jar to breath. Some people do it and some don't. I'm not exactly sure the complete reason(s) but the idea is that if your flasks get too warm, and the air has no way to get out (such as with a vent) then pressure builds up like a pressure cooker and the seedlings will boil. I've seen it happen. However, If you keep your flasks where the temps don't vary a whole lot and don't get too warm, then they should be fine without a vent.

I guess the short answer is

Controlled moderate temps where you flasks are stored-> no vent

Large temp swings and warm temps where your flsks are stored-> vent

thanks Roby, I appreciate it

What's up Greg ;-)

Ben

ey Ben!