De-flasking. Agar on or off

[Miki]

Hi,
I have read serval articals on 'de-flasking', most of them recommend washing the agar OFF, however here is one other method where the agar jelly is left ON.
Deflasking and Compotting
I would like to de-flask some phals after my Christmas trip .
Any recommendations from past de-falsking experience would be most appreciated.

BTW, what is sponge rock?
Thanks!

[Anton]

Both ways work, but taking off means a lot of work as I have found out.

Several people I know of say, leave it on, and some have said No way leave it on as it congeals to a hard mass.

As long as you water frequently to disolve the agar I have been told works OK.

As the old saying goes, "Half of one and 6 of the other", and let's agree to disagree.

[arleneg]

Miki,

I've done both - leaving agar on and washing it off.

I found that leaving the agar on is easier to make a compot (community pot). However, it will have a higher chance of developing mold.

Yes, washing the agar off is a little more work, but less work in preventing mold.

At any rate, try whichever one. Just remember, if you leave the agar on, be prepared to prevent mold (or fight the mold). One thing I've been doing with my compot with agar is dabbing hydrogen peroxide on the agar that won't wash/melt off when I water.

[Miki]

Thanks Anton & Arlene for your replies.
I think I am sticking with the 'agar OFF' camp...

[Anton]

Takes more time, but worth the trouble in the long run.

[digitalgate]

Hey Miki
You got your Orchids delivered to you?

[kmarch]

Originally Posted by Anton

"Half of one and 6 of the other"

6 of one and half a dozen of the other

[Miki]

Originally Posted by digitalgate

Hey Miki
You got your Orchids delivered to you?

No!
I am just doing my homework!

[Miki]

Originally Posted by kmarch

6 of one and half a dozen of the other

You know what he means.....

[Joseph Stanly]

I feel its better to remove agar b'coz in the tropics you are sure to get fungal as well as mold .
J.Stanly