Phalaenopsis Lowii - how long in flask?

[s1214215]

Hi

I have been offered some Phal Lowii seedlings in flask here in Bangkok. My problem is I am moving back to Australia in the middle of next year.

How long can the seedlings be kept in flask? How dependent are they size wise for keeping in flask? Can they be replated a few times to keep them in flask longer?

I'd appreciate some advice as I am new to flasks and don't know a lot about this. It is not easy to take plants into Australia, but flasks are no problem.

Brett

[John D.]

Seedling can be kept in flask for several years if their needs are met. To slow them down you can keep them cooler. Yes they could be reflasked into larger or multiple flasks so they have fresh medium and room to grow. Read about proper sterile procedures if you are going to try it yourself.

[s1214215]

Hi John D.

Thanks for the information. How will I know if the media in the flaks is exhausted? I am just looking at the plants for response or does the media change some how that you can see

Many thanks

Brett

[John D.]

The most obvious will be that the medium is losing too much moisture and drying out. This can happen in vented flasks as moisture slowly will escape through the vent. Contamination (mold) is also pretty obvious to spot. In that case you would deflask and compot the plants instead of reflasking anyway. The other issue, if the plants are too crowded, would be the buildup of "phenols" -waste products- which would be evidenced by changes in root growth(dying roots).Be careful not to leave the flasks in direct sun or very bright light, heat will build up and can kill the plants quickly (everything turns brown).