Rockwool on seedlings?

[FLaCo]

Would rockwool squares be a good idea on fresh deflasked seedlings as a medium?

Can I use regular bark soaked in Physan?

[kmarch]

I prefer the latter.

[FLaCo]

Thank you K!

[Andrew]

I would think that separating a compot from rockwool would be a nightmare.

[jerrymeola]

I do not deflask orchids, but buy thousands just past that point.

For what it is worth, all the ones I buy are grown in rockwool or a heavy peat mixture. I have never received a single plant under 2 inches grown in bark.

Seedlings require a higher more consistent moisture level.

[FLaCo]

Originally Posted by jerrymeola

I do not deflask orchids, but buy thousands just past that point.

For what it is worth, all the ones I buy are grown in rockwool or a heavy peat mixture. I have never received a single plant under 2 inches grown in bark.

Seedlings require a higher more consistent moisture level.

Gotcha, I will make sure to add peat to my mix of small bark/perlite. I would use rockwool, but I don't have time to re-order it and have it come on time.

Now that you included peat I will probably include it. I plan maybe a 1-1-1 ratio of Bark/Perlite/Moss adjusting accordingly for workability.

[jerrymeola]

The high peat will hold moisture better but you need to be careful not to over water. Seedlings are very weak at this age and need tender care. That is why heavy handed me does not try

[jerrymeola]

I should have mentioned in response to Andrew's point that the growers that use rockwool do so in plug trays rather than compots. Then there is no problem untangling them. The rockwool is left in when the plugs are re-potted. I keep rockwool until the plants are ready for 4 inch pots. I have found rockwool in many 4 inch pots as well. It eventually falls apart when re-potting.

[FLaCo]

I will have it in one of those 5 dollar black plastic/clear cover greenhouse they sell in Lowes or home depot.

[Brooke]

See if these websites help you with the deflasking process.

Big Leaf Orchids • View topic - How to deflask orchid seedlings

And then this site - scroll down the page and the article is entitled Deflasking - Demystified

Bedford Orchids

Hope this helps - it is a fun procedure to do and tests your patience in growing this little tiny things to adulthood.

Brooke