DIY or commercial flasking medium?

[snail]

I've never tried flasking before but was thinking I'd like to give it a go with phal stem cuttings. I'm wondering if I should make my own medium or buy it.

The advantage of DIY is that I have most of the stuff I would need in the house already, bannana, potato, agar-agar, activated charcoal etc. I'm a bit lost by all the alternatives though and although it would be nice to do it on the cheep it would be a shame if I got no results because I messed up with the medium.

It seems like buying pre-made stuff would be easier and I'd know it was the right stuff. Obviously this is more expensive and perhaps less fun .

With a balance of cost and success rates in mind what are your opinions/suggestions for a flasking newbie?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Cloning orchids at home is often very difficult. If there is a lab that offer cloning services, I'd try there first.

[Royal]

I say give it a whirl. Commercial media will give you more of a chance of success, especially if you're going to try to do stems. However, making your own media couldn't hurt. If you just want to have fun, make your own. If you really just want to be successful, buy a one liter package of media for a few bucks. At least then you would know that the media isn't a variable. Good luck!

[Ben Belton]

In the US a liter of commercial Phal multiplication media is US $2.75 HERE All you do is add water. For me its not worth the trouble to try to mix my own.

I've done hundreds of stem props at home. Good luck. You can do it no matter which direction you decide to take.

[snail]

Really that cheap? I'm sure I can't make it for that! If I found it for sale locally I'd just buy it but I've not seen it for sale so I'd have pay international postage. Anyone from europe know the best place to get it online?

[camille1585]

I ordered my flasking medium from the Orchid Seed Project in the USA. I got 2 bags of P668 medium at $3,50 each, and paid $5 in shipping (to France). I was flasking for fun, but didn't want to have to deal with potential problems with home made media.

[snail]

Thanks I'll look into them. Buying does seem so much easier, especially for my first try.