Deflasking C. eldorado

[Johndeaux22]

I just received half a dozen flasks from HBI, one of which being C. eldorado. Ordinarily I deflask into NZ sphagnum plugs which has been hydrated with a very dilute fertilizer solution, which I’m comfortable with for the rest of the flasks; however, I’ve been reading that C. eldorado likes to dry a bit more than many Cattleya species. Looking for advice on appropriate media. I have bark in various sizes, along with NZ sphagnum, and an assortment of inorganic options. Am I overthinking this, and should proceed as I’ve had success in the past? Any option chosen will include a swim in a bath of Kelpak, and Quantum total before ultimately being put into my plug trays.

[Louis_W]

I have never deflasked so I cant advise but good luck! Let us know if you are ever selling extras!

[My Green Pets]

I think doing what you know and then adjust accordingly is a good strategy.

[Roberta]

I can't speak from experience, but thinking about how those babies are going from 100% humidity in their flasks to "normal" air, they still are going to want a little extra moisture at first. If someone has direct experience with the species, their information would certainly be better than my guess. But if I were doing this, I would lean toward a gentle transition. As they adjust, you can always water a bit less than the others if it seems to make sense. Sphag is not inherently any wetter than anything else, if you want it less wet you can just water it less down the road.

[Johndeaux22]

Originally Posted by Roberta

I can't speak from experience, but thinking about how those babies are going from 100% humidity in their flasks to "normal" air, they still are going to want a little extra moisture at first. If someone has direct experience with the species, their information would certainly be better than my guess. But if I were doing this, I would lean toward a gentle transition. As they adjust, you can always water a bit less than the others if it seems to make sense. Sphag is not inherently any wetter than anything else, if you want it less wet you can just water it less down the road.

That’s what I figured. Thank you for the vote of confidence Roberta! I’ve obviously managed to overthink this situation…I usually aim to step down humidity from 100% to around 80% over the course of a couple weeks, while progressively increasing light exposure. I filled a 72 cell plug tray with the other flasks that came in, so the C. eldorado will go into another one by itself where I can run it a bit drier, and warmer, if necessary. I used to be terrified of planting anything into sphagnum, but have largely figured out how to run with it where appropriate. Honestly, with as big as the plants are in the flask, I’ll be shocked if I’m not potting them up by May or June next year.

[Waterdog111]

Although I am fairly new to keeping orchids, I am interested in this deflasking and would greatly appreciate any advice on how to ease into it.