MILO BALI
Email: stephen@adelaideorchids.com
PLANTING ORCHIDS OUT OF FLASKS
(The Key to Success)
The thought of deflasking baby orchids can initially seem daunting.
However by following a few simple steps the task can be completed with success.
Always purchase flasks from a reputable nursery. You don’t want weak smallish
or poor plants, even if they are cheap because these will almost certainly lead
to disappointing results. For the ultimate result it is best to leave the
flasks in the area where the will grow for at least one week before deflasking.
This will allow plants a time to acclimatise to their new environment. Remember
that young plantlets straight from flask require more protection and possibly a
little warmer position than mature plants. Good air movement is important.
(a) Gently remove the plants from the
flask including all the jelly (agar). Various methods can be used depending on
the style of flask. Some require the use of a wire hook to loosen the plants
and the medium. Filling the flask with warm water and gently shaking the flask
will also aid in loosening the agar.
(b) When the plants have been removed
the roots may still be enclosed in the agar medium so it is now necessary to
wash the roots of the plants to remove as much of the agar as possible without
damaging the roots or plants. Wash the roots in clean water, tap water or rain
water is suitable.
(c) If the plants are growing together
in clumps you may choose to plant as a group. They will grow apart as time goes
by.
(d) When the roots are free of agar as
much as practicable, pot into community pots or individually taking care not to
bury the plants too deeply. You may choose to use a community pot 10-15 plants
in a 4” pot or into individual 2” pots.
(e) Water in well with a fertilising
solution of Peter’s Plant Starter or similar (a fertiliser with a high
Phosphorous content for root promotion), and then place in an area with good
air circulation but well protected always mindful that you have “babies”.
Should any fungi appear over the ensuing weeks spray with a weak ˝ strength
solution of an appropriate fungicide.
Only use a high quality potting medium, very fine grade orchid bark or a
peatmoss or coco-peat and perlite
combination. Watering should be closely monitored to ensure all plants do not
dry out.
A regular fertilising program is recommended. We use the Scott’s “Peters
Range of Complete Orchid Fertilisers. This is a soluble fertiliser and should
be used at ˝ strength weekly. Peters Plant Starter is used weekly for the first
few months and then change to a Hi Nitrogen to ensure good healthy growth
continues.
Humidity is important in the growing area for young plants. Always
ensure moisture is freely given to the ground areas under benches or around
plants to maintain a good moisture content in the air. Don’t allow small plantlets to dry out!