First time "deflasker"
 

Last Thursday, I got a "flask" of Prosthechea karwinskii (formerly citrina). I put flask in quotes because Mari removed the seedlings from the flask, washed them, treated them with anti-fungal, and sprayed them with beneficial bacteria.

I took them out of the bag they were mailed in. Soaked a bit and separated them into individual plants -- about 50 of them from large to tiny. I then put them into 4 community pots with rocks in the bottom for stability and an inch or so of well-soaked and drained small fir bark and spagh. I then put the compots on a damp towel in a deep disposable roasting pan with a domed clear plastic lid.

I was out of town over the weekend and that prevented me from futzing with it and worrying them to death. I did open the lid yesterday for a few minutes and again today. So far they pretty much look like they did when I put them in.

I'm wondering what kind of schedule I should keep with removing the lid. When should I start watering? Weak superthrive? Feeding?

What should I do if/when a plantlet succumbs to rot? I would imagine it could spread through the compot. Should I pluck it out? treat with physan or some such?

I know that there are many, many opinions on these issues and many ways that people have success.

Here is a bit about my conditions. I'm a home, window-sill and a couple of lights grower. The humidity in my place typically ranges from 50% to 70% with temps from 68 to 82 (at least recently). I've got several fans so there is pretty good air movement, but I moved a couple of months ago and haven't worked it out as well as it was before.

:bump:

You are on the right track. Send me your email address, and I will send you my deflasking procedures (works for Paphs, Phrags, Laelia anceps and
Vandaceous).

Note: I have bought from Marni, but I got the flask complete. I disagree strongly with the anti-fungal treatment, as seedlings come from sterile environment. Once out, they have to adapt to real life.

Given them a watering every couple of days and a light misting if it looks dry.

Last weekend gave them a very weak super thrive and msu-type fertilizer.

It has now been two weeks and they seem alright. I mostly leave the cover off of them. I'll post some pictures this weekend.