| Cynthia - I didn't write them all down, but I do remember that the propane flame sterilization method is recorded in the Ortho book on Orchids. Believe it or not the alcohol method is suggested by the Ontario Orchid Society on their web page. The other suggestions were all listed on another person's orchid page. The more I looked the more it seemed that there is no concensus. I didn't list any of these in order to prolong an argument - just pointing out that for those trying to come to a conclusion on how to proceed it is difficult to come to a "final" conclusion. Fortunately my humble little collection is small enough that I can merely make my divisions and do my pruning using my fingers - no tools needed. (Put a pair of sterile disposable gloves on before each activity?). Anyway - thank you for all your comments and the hours and hours you spend giving EXCELLENT advice. mike |