deflasking

[exasperatus2002]

Ok, so Im premature about this but it's better to be prepared. When I get my flasks from my pod thats still on the plant (like I said a bit premature). What kind of bark mixture do you use? Size? With community pots, how close are the orchid seedling planted together or do you use the trays with the cells like you get for garden plants. I know how to harden them off. Its the rest Im not sure of. Now that I'll have the room Im thinking of getting a small flask to play with for practice. Good news, it looks like closing on the house will be moved up. Instead of 4/25 its either going to be 4/11 or 4/18. I'm waiting to hear back from the realtor who told my wife earlier today.

[exasperatus2002]

P.S.

They would be Cattleya alliance chids.

[kmarch]

There is a grade of bark called seedling bark. It is finer then your typical small bark. I'd look or that. You won't find it in a DIY store though you'll probably have to go to an orchid supply person.

[exasperatus2002]

Do you use straight seedling bark or is it a mix?

[kmarch]

I've only ever deflasked paphs and I used seedling bark to make up my own mix. I also included in it fine perepite, fine charcoal and my usual paph additives like peat and sand. You'll probably want ot look at some books to see what is recommended for cattleyas.