Orchid flask contamination - Orchid Board

Silje · #1 04-15-2012, 10:48 AM

This post was initially put in the beginner forum, but someone suggested I'd put it here as well...

Hi guys!

I went to Thailand on a holiday, and returned with a flask with vanda seedlings. Due to security control at the airport I had to put it in my checked in luggage, not my hand luggage. The result was that the poor seedlings got thrown around a lot. For a week or so, I've been trying to get the roots into the growth medium and the leaves out of it by turning the bottle. This morning, I saw a bit of mould or fungi starting to grow on the top.

I broke the bottle, thinking that there is no way those small seedlings will be able to co-exist with the mould in there.

But what to do now...? ideally, these seedlings should have probably stayed in the bottle for another 6 months or so....at least that's what the salesman told me.

What can I do to try to create a good growth environment for them and see if I can make them survive?

I have no idea what to do with them, and need advice on everything, from growth medium to single or community pot, bagged or in the open...?

Help!

Rinzo · #2 04-16-2012, 11:52 AM

I am interested to see what people have to say on this as well, but to be honest the thing i would do first off ( keep in mind i have never deflasked orchids before) put them in small things, like a little ball of moss not tightly wrapped, they need to breathe, of sphagnum moss so their roots can get some moisture when you water them, and put them in a room with some good indirect light, and lots of air circulation(keep a small fan on in the room or something). spray them with water frequently, and use a small amount of fertilizer mixed in with your sprayer and spray them once a day with the fertilizer mix, and the rest of the day with water. air circulation is probably key since i hear that they are susceptible to fungus and what not.

GOOD LUCK

stefpix · #3 04-16-2012, 12:01 PM

I would keep them is some sort of terrarium.

Silje · #4 04-16-2012, 02:14 PM

Thanks for the suggestions and advice guys.

I ended up with a greenhouse option. I put two small community pots with coconut chips into a ziplock bag. I put some moist tissue in the bottom to ensure humidity, and put it in the shadow in one of the warmer rooms in the house. I want to take out the pots and mist them regularly. The coco nut chips are very loosely holding the plants upright, but with a lot of air. I think I'll be able to see progress as the roots develop without disturbing them further. Crossing fingers that it will work. I'll keep you updated. And come screaming back for help if things takes an ugly turn.

Thanks again. I don't know what my orchids would do without you!

Leafmite · #5 04-16-2012, 02:31 PM

I had two aeranthes grandiosa seedlings that looked like yours with less leaves (one or two), completely rootless. I took a plastic vanda basket, lined it with a thin layer of fresh, good quality Sphagnum moss and 'planted' them in the moss. I kept it moist at all times. If you don't have good humidity, I would set these in an aquarium, as suggested, as they are accustomed to the flask's humid environment. I used distilled or rain water and kept them out of direct light. Keep them warm. Mine had the benefit of a very hot summer.
One of our speakers deflasks his into medium he sterilizes and covers the community pots with cut 2 liter soda bottles to prevent contamination (he treats the plants once, in the beginning, with something to prevent fungus/bacteria (physan?). He has never lost any since he started doing this.
Good luck!

keithrs · #6 04-16-2012, 06:04 PM

You will need air movement in that bag or your seedling will probably get rot. I will suggest a humidity dome with a small cpu fan... you can make the whole setup for under $30.

If you come screaming for help its probably too late....

veekay · #7 04-17-2012, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silje

This post was initially put in the beginner forum, but someone suggested I'd put it here as well...

Hi guys!

I went to Thailand on a holiday, and returned with a flask with vanda seedlings. Due to security control at the airport I had to put it in my checked in luggage, not my hand luggage. The result was that the poor seedlings got thrown around a lot. For a week or so, I've been trying to get the roots into the growth medium and the leaves out of it by turning the bottle. This morning, I saw a bit of mould or fungi starting to grow on the top.

I broke the bottle, thinking that there is no way those small seedlings will be able to co-exist with the mould in there.

But what to do now...? ideally, these seedlings should have probably stayed in the bottle for another 6 months or so....at least that's what the salesman told me.

What can I do to try to create a good growth environment for them and see if I can make them survive?

I have no idea what to do with them, and need advice on everything, from growth medium to single or community pot, bagged or in the open...?

Help!

You can either sterilize with 3% H2O2 or 1/8 th t.s.f of Bleach.I have tried with success.veekay

veekay · #8 04-17-2012, 08:47 PM

Hi ,
You can sterilize either with 3% Hydrogen Peroxide or 1/8 tea spoon full of Bleach /Gallon( U.S) of Water.
I have tried with success.
veekay

Silje · #9 04-18-2012, 03:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keithrs

You will need air movement in that bag or your seedling will probably get rot. I will suggest a humidity dome with a small cpu fan... you can make the whole setup for under $30.

If you come screaming for help its probably too late....

Hmmmm... I've googled around a bit and have ssen people making humidity domes of empty plastic bottles, cutting off the bottom and leaving the cap off to allow ventilation. Would this be enough for the time being?

The problem is that I live in a REALLY rural area (picture the African savanna from nature documentaries) and I've got no fan that can be used for this at the moment...

keithrs · #10 04-18-2012, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silje

Hmmmm... I've googled around a bit and have ssen people making humidity domes of empty plastic bottles, cutting off the bottom and leaving the cap off to allow ventilation. Would this be enough for the time being?

The problem is that I live in a REALLY rural area (picture the African savanna from nature documentaries) and I've got no fan that can be used for this at the moment...

I had just vents on my humidity dome and didn't have good luck.... That not to say you want.... Make sure your plants dry out every day!!! If your humidity is high enough than drying out will not be an issue.