Almost brave enough....

[vanda_obsession]

...to try my hand at deflasking.. I've been reading what I can online (and in between all my insane radiology college studies.. aye-aye-aye!!) and the only thing I really am not clear on, is WHEN exactly to deflask the babies.. Once they reach a good size I can understand, but I thought I read somewhere (some website) that you don't take them out until the agar is gone? Is that true? I would rather hear what you geeks would say since so many of you have done this, rather than taking advice from a random website. The flask I am looking at is a Ascda. Betty May Steel 'Carmela'... Thanks, you guys are the best

[orchidea]

Originally Posted by vanda_obsession

...don't take them out until the agar is gone? Is that true? ...

Hmmmm...Where would agar go if it's gone???...I am not sure how could this be........ Orchids don't eat agar, they just put their roots into it.
Could it be that you were reading that deflasked clump of babies was potted with agar???? Some do that, I know....in this case agar disolves into the medium.

I am not a big pro in de-flasking, but I did de-flasked few. I would de-flask during the nice temps, so I don't have to worry sick about the heating pads and stuff like that, personally. Other than that, you should see good roots and at least few bigger babies inside the jar and just go for it......
Good luck!

[Ron]

Originally Posted by vanda_obsession

...to try my hand at deflasking.. I've been reading what I can online (and in between all my insane radiology college studies.. aye-aye-aye!!) and the only thing I really am not clear on, is WHEN exactly to deflask the babies.. Once they reach a good size I can understand, but I thought I read somewhere (some website) that you don't take them out until the agar is gone? Is that true? I would rather hear what you geeks would say since so many of you have done this, rather than taking advice from a random website. The flask I am looking at is a Ascda. Betty May Steel 'Carmela'... Thanks, you guys are the best

Hi de-flasking orchids is an easy operation if done properly, if a hit and run approach, then often distaster



but I thought I read somewhere (some website) that you don't take them out until the agar is gone? Is that true?
This is another story often quoted by people with no experience at de-flasking orchids.

When you order a flask from a honest & reputable nursery/flasking buisnes, the should only sell to you when the product is ready to de-flask.
That is that!
Often when a flask arrives, you may and ken keep it for a few days to a week with no problems if you are not ready to deflask it on arrival!
Otherwise enjoy this adventue in growing orchids!

[vanda_obsession]

Thank you! This is why I ask you guys

[RebelCowgirl]

I love deflasking babys.....It is very addictive and watching them grow is very exciting

[vanda_obsession]

It's something I wanna try... but a little skeptical just because we live in a apartment and we are so cramped for space. But I do wanna try

[Shannara]

I tried it awhile back and did not have a setup that was seedling friendly. Needless to say I have avoided trying again as of yet. Next year in spring I might try again. If I can get them growing and stabilized by winter they should go through my wintering process fairly well. I know Emmaye deflasks orchids quite a bit so you could ask her for tips. There should be some good deflasking threads too. I know if I did it again I would try a different potting mix than my first time around and have some sort of fungicide on hand too.

If you decide to do it document the process for your fellow geeks if you can.

Good luck,
Shann~

[otis 226]

My first attempt, buying a few deflasked flased babies on ebay ended in almost complete failure. It was a learning experince, however, and I may try again. If I do, it'll be like Shann mentioned in the spring, when they'll have a good while to get established in better weather than trying it in fall.
Good Growing,
Tony