Growing orchids in flasks

[orchidfanatic]

I have some seeds I crossed and self pollenated
my first to be ready is a dend.
I have the agar I need to use but I forgot the
amounts to mix with water..
does anyone know the amount of agar/nutrient mix
in grams to mix with how much water to get the right
consistency in the orchid flasks?
its been years since I flasked orchids and I just forgot
thanks in advance!

[elibrown81]

Check out this article. http://www.orchidboard.com/A-step-by...rchid-FlaskingI think the info you are looking for is here. Good luck on your flasking adventure. When you are finished you should post back and explain your process and results. We'd also LOVE to see some pictures of your set-up.

[Royal]

I have only used premade media mixes. This is a very broad question, but I'm sure you'll get some good info. Also, search the forum for a home made formula. I've seen some threads that provide this info.

If you don't get any replies, look on Phytotech Labs web site. They have all the technical info for most of the media formulas. This will tell you how much of each ingredient (including agar, if any) is in other formulas per liter.

[orchidfanatic]

Thank you for the replies . I will check out that link
BTW these are premixed media but in powder form
I just need the right amount of water
if you mean premixed as in all ready gelled and sterilized
where did you get those from?
thank you
Brett

Edit i found one medium that states about 28 grams per liter, I will scale that down and make up a batch and see if it works
which medium do you like to use ? My media is the type with charcoal mixed in so its rather black .
thanks again

[orchidfanatic]

Originally Posted by elibrown81

Check out this article. http://www.orchidboard.com/A-step-by...rchid-FlaskingI think the info you are looking for is here. Good luck on your flasking adventure. When you are finished you should post back and explain your process and results. We'd also LOVE to see some pictures of your set-up.

I sure will .. I have a flow hood I used with shiitaki and
portabello mushrooms .. as well as beer brewing yeasts
it should work well with orchid flasking

[elibrown81]

yea...a hood should do just fine for flasking. that would make things pretty nice.

Mushrooms, beer and orchids; Sounds like a party!

[Royal]

If it is a premixed media, it should include how many grams to use per liter of prepared media. It can vary quite a bit from one type another. Do you know the name of the media?

What I meant by pre-mixed is what you have - dry powder with all the right "stuff" at the right portions. They sell these with and without agar, so double check. I get most of my media from Phytotech. I just use some of the basic stuff like p668 for most. I doubt they sell it already prepared, but I only look at the media. Anything pre-pepared would have to already be in culture vessels, so if they have anything like that it would be in the vessels/equipment sections.

So, whatcha doin' with the yeasts? Are you selecting strains for certain purposes, or just ensuring a pure culture? I'm a brewer too, although I haven't done many batches since I started flasking.

[orchidfanatic]

the agar media is in packets and the names/directions have worn off of them so I dont know the manufacturer or amounts. my media is all in one .. only add water and autoclave and you are good to go. Right now I am working on a yeast strain known as Pacman. it is used by the Rouge brewery . for beers like
dead guy ale. I received a slant from another member of the northern brewer forum. I made an all grain small batch (3/4 gallon) today to use as a starter for my next beer. I also am building up a yeast bank of several types of yeasts .. like Belgium wheat, American wheat , east coast ale , CA ale , english ale and Irish ale beer yeasts. Those are my favorites. I hope to have many varieties over time.
then when I want to brew a batch of beer I will start a plate on agar then use that to step up the yeasts in wort to grow enough for pitching into my beer. This Saturday is National Homebrew day
I am either going to brew two beers on Sat. or one tomorrow (cream ale) and then another on saturday (IPAor IIPA). I only brew all grain .. how about you ? are you brewing this Sat.?

[Royal]

Originally Posted by orchidfanatic

how about you ? are you brewing this Sat.?

I am now! All I needed is a little bit of inspiration, and here it is! I'd love to chat about your set-up. I keep some yeasts around too -- in my beers! Mmmm, live cultures....

I've been brewing since before I got my first orchid. The 'chids have kind of taken over, but it's about time I start cranking out some homebrew again! I like the E coast, CA ale, English, and Belgian yeasts too. All of them (except the CA ale) are so versatile. I usually get White Labs but maybe one day I'll be buying orchidfanatic's special super strain!

Good growing, and happy brewing! Remember to relax, don't worry, and -- well you know the rest.

[orchidfanatic]

RDWHAHB ! I brewed beer before orchids as well, I didn't get into orchids until I moved to FL .. I like to keep on hand
a dry yeast .. Fermentis us-05 formerly us-56 or its wet cousin 1056. it keeps for a year and makes a nice dry crisp clean tasting beer.. perfect for american ales or american IPA's good luck on the brew .. remember sanitation !