Flasking 101 - A how-to guide

[Beaveljeez]

I may have missed it, but what would I put into the flask as a form of nutrients for the seeds? Someone may have said it, but it's a strong possibility that I didn't understand. If I am going to try to grow say epidendrum radicans seed, what nutrients would I need? Thanks.

[Royal]

Originally Posted by Beaveljeez

I may have missed it, but what would I put into the flask as a form of nutrients for the seeds?

There are a number of nutrient media designed specifically for orchids. It comes in powder form, and you mix it with water. Sometimes the agar is already in the mix, if not you'll need to add a gelling agent to make it stiff.

This stuff is very similar to what they use to culture bacteria and fungi in petri dishes. Any contamination in a flask will thrive and quickly cover the entire surface. This is why we have to keep everything absolutely sterile.

[Swamper]

Pretty cool thread. I'm not interested in trying it, but I'm glad so many people on here are doing it. It was very informative. I can't believe I read the whole thing. Great job and one of the better threads on here.

[bazinga]

I really love this thread and all the useful information on it. Now to start doing it myself

[Pat Di]

Royal, you mentioned ultrasonic. Have you or anyone else dabbled with it?

[MNBloom]

Very interesting thread!

Three questions:

1. Do you always put them under grow lights? and for how long.

2. Do many of you use a syringe to sow the seed in the flask? I just watched a video and that technique seems easy to do.

3. How many flasks roughly per seed pod do you usually create?

[DeafOrchidLover]

I agree, MNBloom., it's indeed interesting information.

I may wanna try it one day... Thinking about doing pollinate but waiting for my phals to send out pretty flowers... Then go from there.

Speaking of Media, it sounds lit complicated. I would have to reread often to make sure I understand. Hmmm. I'm bored and am stay home mom. I'm thinking why not. My husband also said same thing. LoL




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