Flask Contamination FYI - Orchid Board

Oscarman · #1 11-19-2005, 04:38 PM

Did you know........

Always keep your flasks in a clean area away from your orchids. Dust mites can enter your flasks through any vents and cause fungal contamination. This will show as a white layer on the medium. The fungus may cause all the seedlings to die.

bodaciousbonsai · #2 12-15-2006, 08:52 AM

I would try to get them out now! or they will all be toast.
Clay

justatypn · #3 12-15-2006, 09:06 AM

Great rule of thumb Dave...hope this

show's others how fungus does not sleep

. I'ts like no signs one day next day 'oh my gosh'...

Oscarman · #4 12-15-2006, 01:52 PM

Sadly, all the C. dowiana seedling did not survive the fungus attack - despite my most intense efforts.

Even daily flask checks sometimes are not enough.

Ross · #5 12-15-2006, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oscarman

Did you know........

Always keep your flasks in a clean area away from your orchids. Dust mites can enter your flasks through any vents and cause fungal contamination. This will show as a white layer on the medium. The fungus may cause all the seedlings to die.

This is a hard lesson to learn. Looks to me like you might have moved some of the seedlings out earlier (I have 20/20 hindsight, by the way

)

gerneveyn · #6 12-15-2006, 03:25 PM

Did you grow the C. dowiana from seed?

Oscarman · #7 12-16-2006, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gerneveyn

Did you grow the C. dowiana from seed?

I wish! I would have hundreds of them! That hobby flask was a purchase from a vendor at a Canadian Orchid Congress show and I did not notice that the container had a hairline crack.

C. dowiana is one plant that I am completely captivated with. Plant availability and cultural success has proved to be very elusive for me. Fortunately I recently received a larger plant from Ecuador that adusting well in my conditions.