Reflasking more mature phal seedlings - advice needed

[s1214215]

Hi Everyone

I am getting some blue Phalaenopsis Violaceas from the USA (Orchidview Nursery). I will return to Australia next year and it would be much better to leave them in flask - it is easier with our quarantine there.

However, given the postal system, I expect them to arrive needing reflasking. I need advice on reflasking larger seedlings. I tried to find a local lab in Bangkok to do the job, but hit brick walls. All the ones a Thai friend contacted - over 7 - only seem to be iterested in doing small seedlings in whisky bottles.

I intend to use big jam jars for more room and ease to get the seedling into it. When placing the seedlings, I guess it is best to have the media soft. Do I try to push the seedlings into the media a little or just sit them on top? Are there any other ways?

Also, what to do if any leaves or roots are damaged? Should I remove them. Sterilize? I guess rinse agar off the leaves using sterilised water.

I appreciate any advice you can give on this. This is my first time at flasking. I'd rather get a lab to do it, but no chance on that is seems.

Many thanks

Brett

[Lagoon]

Bumping up for Brett!

[s1214215]

Thanks... I appreciate the bump. My flasks will arrive in a few days and I need to know what to do.

Brett

[cricketerry]

Brett in the absence of any other replies I give my opinion. Are you buying mother flasks (the originals that the seed was sown in) or have they already been re-flasked at least once? If they are not mother flasks will they need reflasking?

The problem with dealing with sugar enriched agar is that contamination sets in very easily. You could not for example just open the flasks split them and then re-seal them unless you have a sterile area. Labs tend to use Laminar Flow cabinets.

[s1214215]

Hello Cricketerry

I am setting up a sterile environment with an old fish tank, Plastic front, bleach etc - the old fashioned way. I have done a good bit of research on this.
I have some big jam jars to use that can go in a pressure cooker or oven and seal well.

My problem is more or less about the seedlings and do they need to be in the agar or set on top of it and let them grow into it themselves.

The seedlings are quite mature I believe (still waiting for flask to come in the post), but I dont want to deflask yet as I want to return them to Australia when I return early next year. It is easier to take flasks. A phalaenopsis grower said it is possible to leave them in flask this long if need be.

I was thinking if they need to be set into the agar (I got replate for phals sent to me), then I can make the mix soft and not a hard set.

Thanks for the response and if you can give your opinion on this I appreciate it.

Brett

[John D.]

If the flasks are not badly jumbled or over grown I'd delay reflasking. If you have to reflask give them enough space that you don't have to do it twice. Make the agar soft you can press the root tips in gently you don't have to "plant" them like a compot. Make the medium about 3/4 strength.If you get contamination get them out of flask quickly and into compot. You could try to reflask again (from compot) the day before you return home. Clean and well sealed in flask could avoid quarantine?

[Royal]

I agree, if the media you have has the agar included just make it more dilute as John suggests. The roots should nestle down into the softer media.

I wish you luck. It sounds as if you are prepared. The fish tank should do well. Just be extra clean and move slowly and you'll be fine.

[s1214215]

Thanks Royal, John

I am off (AGAIN) to get the flasks from Thai customs today. I got the run around yesterday (1 hour in a cab) with bad info from Thai post as to where they were. Wish me luck and I hope I dont go there and find fruit salad Thai style LOL....

Brett

[s1214215]

Well, I got the mini-flasks of my solid blue Phalaenopsis Violaceas. I ordered 3 at US$150 each. Katherine Norton from Orchidview kindly added a bonus flask which I think is a full sized one from the number of plants in it. I am so happy

The large flask is totally intact and the media is 95% intact. Maybe I can get away with not reflasking it immediately. The three mini-flasks are all messed up, but luckily no real damage in 2 of them. However, the last one is a ball of plants and agar and will have to be planted out for sure. No way to reflask them. They will live though and will look ok with some new growth.

All up, considering they came from the USA to Thailand, they have faired ok. I will take pics when I get them home.

Brett

[Royal]

Great news Brett. I'm glad they made it. Sounds like you have enough to try things a few different ways. I'm sure it'll work out for you. Good luck!