Need some guidance to replate protocorms

[camille1585]

I have 4 mother flasks of a Cattleya cross that have protocorms waiting to be replated. Most sprouted the beginnings of their very first leaf a few weeks ago, and I would like to get them out of the germination medium asap. But I'm not very sure how to go about replating them and have lots of questions going through my head.

First, how much medium do I pour in each flask? For the mother flasks I only put a thin layer (0,5cm), but they probably need much more in the replate flasks to grow roots.

What tools work best to move protocorms?

And at what density should I replate them? I want to avoid future replating if possible, so need them at the right density from the beginning. I ordered vented plastic flasks that have a bottom diameter (and height) of about 10cm, and widen out a bit.

And if you have any other tips, I'd appreciate it!

[Royal]

About an inch or so (2 or 3 cm) of media is a good starting point. Much of this is personal preference and what works best with your specific containers. If you want to avoid replating, more would be better than less.

Transfering p-corms can be done with anything you can effectively sterilize. I like micro-spatulas because they are flat but long and narrow. Some have made their own tools by pounding metal wire flat on one end. I've also used a long regular old spoon (autoclaved of course).

I'm still working on planting density. I don't have the room so I tend to pack them in. I also don't count them as I transfer. I just scoop out a pile of p-corms, and plop them into the replate. Once in the replate flask, I try to separate them out as best I can without leaving it open too long.

[camille1585]

Thanks!
I didn't think about the micro spatulas, and we have an entire drawer full in the lab! I'll be pretty much putting the protocorms in one at a time, since the germination rate was quite low and there aren't that many clumps of them.

Another thing. 2 of my 4 mother flasks got a little bit of bacterial contamination in a small area. Should I avoid using protocorms from those flasks, or is it safe to take ones that are far away from the contamination?

[Royal]

It's worth a try. You could even give them a quick dip in a weak bleach solution. I've saved a few this way but it fails about as often as it works. Just act fast, and open those particular flasks last - just in case.