Looking for distributor of planted flasks

[Stray59]

Hey everyone
Does anyone know of a good supplier for orchid seedlings in flask in the U.S.? I am looking for species and good crosses, at a reasonable price. Hausermann's has excellent stock, but want $60.00 and up, per flask. I have bought several for around $30 - 35 range with shipping. I know this is a pretty good price and the names I have are well rated plants. I am starting a business and need stock to sell. I know this is more for classified, but did not see any flask offers there and I know several of you are deflasking as I write this. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Steve

[orchidsarefun]

OT - but how are you doing for space? Have you got extra space available ? I have a couple of crosses that will be replated within a few months and I am hoping that it will then be warm enough to make space by shifting plants outdoors.
I may have to think about growing under lights, because my other thought of renting space from someone with a greenhouse doesn't seem to be working out.
The price you have been paying is reasonable as its at least $14 to create a replate. I often see cheap flasks on e-bay, but I am sure you have been looking there too.

You should also join Big Leaf Forums as there are a few breeders who frequent that site.

[zxyqu]

Steve, I think you are going to need to be willing to go up in price. Quality parents demand a quality price, but you also have to think of how many plants you'll get, and the general cost of flasking. $14 bucks for a replate, plus 25 or so for initial germination, mans the grower is already out about 40 bucks if they didn't germinate the seeds themselves. And sometimes you still get nearly 1 plant for 1-2 bucks. That's crazy cheap with some of the crosses from hauserman and Big Leaf. For example, Peter Lin's flasks often have 20-40 seedlings in them. You can probably plant up 1/2, and replate the really tiny ones to grow them out as well. Hausserman's is similar, having 15-25 plants, but that 60 dollar flask you mentioned is from their highly selective line breeding, and is going to have some AM awards in it.

Also, if I were you, I'd start considering grabbing up some species, and making crosses yourself. Free seed, example photos, and eventually you'll make money from the flasks if done right and the market keeps going.

[Stray59]

Hello Everyone
Thanks for the replies and info. I do some of my own breeding, crossing a Pot. to itself and also to a BLC. I have recently crossed my pescatorea to self and HOPE it has taken. Too soon to tell now. As far as room, I have an entire spare room that I am making into a orchid nursery so I am really just starting with the seedlings. My partner fears he will have to learn to sleep while holding orchids, but I have guaranteed him this is not the case. I will be increasing my operation soon (I hope) and will be needing flasks to stock my nursery. I have gotten several flasks from Ebay, AM/AOS winners, and whereas I understand the quality that I would be purchasing from Hausermann's, I also need to "shoe-string it" until I see if this is profitable. I hope to be exclusive to Hausermann's one day, as we go waaaay back, but as this is in the experiemental stage currently I am trying to be as conservative as possible. The last flask that I emptied is still thriving at 100% survival rate, even the little ones that should have been replated. I was able to pull 110 out of the flask and get into compots. Keep your fingers crossed for me!
Thanks,
Steve

[escualida]

Hi Steve, I had a seller send me an extra flask of Blc. Mem. Vida Lee 'Limelight' that I have absolutely no room for. The plants are a pretty good size and ready to come out, if you're interested maybe we can trade, PM me if you are.

[Call_Me_Bob]

ill echo others and say that its hard to find quality flasks for that cheap...

i will ask though, where did you get the ones for that price?

[orchidsarefun]

actually you can put your name down for a flask at Troy Meyers Conservancy - for $32, species only. However you won't get so many plants........