What do you use an an orchid flask. - Orchid Board

prc11 · #1 12-30-2010, 11:30 PM

So I turned 14 today and I came up with an idea. I figured if I would pollinate a Phalaenopsis that has just begun to spike and sow the seeds It should be able to bloom before I go to college. I know how to sow the seeds and I know how sterile everything has to be so I found a good place to do this. I think I am just going to experiment with sowing by just pollinating itself. The only problem is that I need to figure out what I am going to use for a flask. I have some time to think about it, but can I use any glass container for a flask? Do you use anything other than flasks to grow seeds in?

FairyInTheFlowers · #2 12-31-2010, 12:45 AM

It's SUPER to see someone so young on the Board! I myself have just turned 15 this summer, and have learned TONS from the REALLY friendly people on the Board! I am sure there is a lot of people on the Board who do their own flasking, so you should be able to get a lot of info from them. I do know that you can sprinkle some of the seeds on and around the roots of the mother because in nature there is a special fungus that invades the seed and provides it nutrients and protection for it to grow. That fungus might just be growing on the mother's roots! But you might know that, so, I guess this is just an encouragement! I myself am interested in hybridizing orchids and am very interested in the Brassavola alliance! I am hoping to get B. nodosa, flagelleris, gluaca, perinii,and reginae come spring! Do your phals have names? If not, you won't be able to register it.

Zoi2 · #3 12-31-2010, 01:22 AM

Sorry I can't help with the flasking but

Joann

Ben Belton · #4 12-31-2010, 01:23 AM

I use mason jars for flasks. Go to Phytotech.com. They sell lids for the jars and media to sow the seed on. Search old posts here. People have lots of home made things they do too.

Mr. Tech · #5 12-31-2010, 09:41 AM

Pickle jars are quite good for flasking.

prc11 · #6 12-31-2010, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBlazingAugust

It's SUPER to see someone so young on the Board! I myself have just turned 15 this summer, and have learned TONS from the REALLY friendly people on the Board! I am sure there is a lot of people on the Board who do their own flasking, so you should be able to get a lot of info from them. I do know that you can sprinkle some of the seeds on and around the roots of the mother because in nature there is a special fungus that invades the seed and provides it nutrients and protection for it to grow. That fungus might just be growing on the mother's roots! But you might know that, so, I guess this is just an encouragement! I myself am interested in hybridizing orchids and am very interested in the Brassavola alliance! I am hoping to get B. nodosa, flagelleris, gluaca, perinii,and reginae come spring! Do your phals have names? If not, you won't be able to register it.

I already have Brassavola Nadosa, which I got for $2 at Lowe's. I mounted some of it and kept some in a pot. It is about to bloom, but I don't know how to pollinate something so small. The Phal that I do own is named but I don't want to create any hybrids until I learn a little more and now I can propagate seeds.

goodgollymissmolly · #7 12-31-2010, 10:22 AM

I also use mason jars. They are cheaper than driving all over the place collecting used bottles and they are all the same size (if you wish). I prefer the regular mouth jars and use them on their side at about a 15 degree angle to maximize surface area. Others use the wide mouth jars which are better if you use the jar standing upright. Good luck.

Royal · #8 01-02-2011, 10:33 AM

I eat a lot of peanut butter so I use those jars. They are similar in size to mason jars, and they fit nicely in my old pressure cooker. I was given a bunch of earlemyer flasks, but I like my old jars better.

Phalguy · #9 01-12-2011, 08:11 AM

hello!
I wrote an article about home flasking....

here it is...

Media preparation for homemade flasking ! - Orchid Board

Good luck !

Mcfacker · #10 01-27-2011, 03:50 AM

Depending on how serious you are about this, you could use whats readily available to you. For instance I am using Clear 550ml Liquor Bottles. Yes, I am a beginer and started test runs just as yourself. I am also using Coffee, Cocoa, Jam and Mayo Jars as wel. I have had more success with the Rum & Cola Bottles though, they seem to have a kick that really sets things off. No one said you can't have abit of fun while working - Most of my friends and family were happy going through these bottles emptying them for me. Also, these bottles have a narrow neck which helps in keeping out the bad & nasty things you really don't want getting in the mix. I lay mine on their sides to get more surface area. Keep in mind though that once these start germinating, you will have to replate faster than if they were in flasks. Enjoy flasking or shall I say bottling.