Questions about Deflasking

[bearded orchid]

Taking this out of my other thread to get a better poll

Is it mandatory that you remove the agar matrix from the seedlings? I found a site discussing Paphiopedilum flasks where they left the matrix alone and planted both into compots with medium below and around the agar. They said the agar evaporates/dissolves in roughly a week and allows the flasklings additional nutrition while preventing much disturbance of the plants themselves.

I recently ordered a flask of Sedirea japonica and wondered if this technique would work on them too or do you guys think it's more exclusive to the culture habits of Paphiopedilum?

Here's the link mentioned: Deflasking and Compotting

[Dendian]

I have seen both done, but I recall somebody saying that the agar is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria - and as you cannot control the outside environment like you did in the flask - you could be in for trouble. I don't think its exclusive to any orchid.

I removed all the agar from my flask babies. I found that the seedlings were all mixed up when I got one flask - and have also heard that the agar can burn the leaves.

[Ron]

Hi, you have just visited one of the best sites for Paph info and deflasking info.
I just give my plants a rough wash in house tap water (it is clourinated) and pot them up into compots or what ever I am type of plant I am doing.
Always bits of agar on the plants, never had any problems.

One thing I do do is fungicide them with a good fungicide as insurance agains possible contamination.
When you spend many hundreds of dollars on flasks what is a few extra dollars on a good fungicide as insurance.

[bearded orchid]

Hmm... depending on what my flask looks like and how many seedlings I actually get, I may split them into two groups and try out both methods. Also, I was wondering if there would be any way to heat the crib or maintain it at a constant temperate? Perhaps using an aquarium heater would do the trick?

[bearded orchid]

Also, what's the deal with every online hydroponic retailer that offers humidity crib kits being based out of Australia?

[Ron]

check out Seed Starting & Seedling Propagation Bottom Heat Mats & Thermostats at Home Harvest® Garden Supply
Thses are simple cheep and easy to use.
Should be plenty of nurseys/garden centers around were you live that stock them.

[orchids4me]

I think Ray might carry these seedling heat mats. Hopefully he will chime in.
Good luck bearded
Emmaye