Recent Articles
Orchid Flasking
Nov 1, 2009 Orchid Propagation Leave a comment
I received my orchid seed sowing media a couple days ago.
Today, I made some jars (8 of them). I am using 1/2 pint wide mouth jars. I cooked them in a pressure cooker (15 psi for 15 minutes) to sterilize them. This worked out ok, but they ended up being sealed (with a vacuum), so it might lead to problems when I sow the seeds. I will let these sit for about a week and see if there is any contamination. I tried to follow the instructions from here, but I didn’t have a good way to let the jars cool down since I was only cooking two at a time. I had to open the cooker and tighten the bands to form the seal. It is all a learning experience.
I think I will prepare another 8 jars using the method from Lotte & Thomas Orchids. I will try to do that sometime during the next week. They prepare the flasks in an oven at 300 degrees F for 30 minutes and then let them cool in the oven. This might be and easier solution.
I also thought that if I tried using a different type of jar (like a baby food jar or smaller canning jars), I might be able to cook more at a time and let them cool over night. I might experiment with that also.
artificial tree fern material
Oct 23, 2009 orchids Leave a comment
I had read a little online about some artificial tree fern material. I guess there has been some controversy over its use and even a little about selling it. Anyhow, I thought it would be fun to try this out. I have a couple orchids that I am growing on tree fern, but they have outgrown it and this might be a good alternative.
I placed an order with FirstRays for their version that they call EcoWeb. I purchased 2 slabs. From what I have seen online, this material is kind of like a thick scouring pad.
I figure I can cut this up into strips depending on the size of the orchids. It also looks like it would be easy just to add another piece when the orchid outgrows it. Once I get some orchids mounted on this, I will follow up with a review and some pictures.
Orchid Fasking
Oct 23, 2009 Orchid Propagation Leave a comment
Just an update on my orchid flasking (growing from seed) project.
I am still waiting on my seed sowing media. I ordered from Phytotechlab. I ordered some P723 (seed sowing media) and P785 (replate media). They seem to be a little slow (I think something is on back-order). Anyhow, I am not in any rush, so it is no big deal.
I have just about everything else ready, so when that comes in, I can get started.
Orchid Flasks From Meyers Conservatory
Oct 23, 2009 orchids Leave a comment
I found out that 2 of my flasks from the Meyers Conservatory are ready to be shipped. It turns out that these were ready quite quickly. I thought that it would be a few months before they were ready, but I got the email a couple days ago. The two flasks are:
1 flask TN6424 Brassavola cucullata ‘Sym’ -spontaneous
1 flask TN6377 Bulbophyllum plumatum ‘Halcyon’ x ‘Leddie’s
Troy sent some information including information on how to handle the new plants when they arrive. He has a really good technique there. In the past, I have not been so careful with potting up flasks or compots. I will try out his technique and see how it works out for me.
I am really anticipating the Brassavola cucullata. I already have one blooming size one (you can see it on my flickr page). It is a really nice plant with a fantastic fragrance (only at night). The Bulbophyllum will be nice too. It is my first Bulbophyllum, so it should be interesting to see how it like my growing conditions here.
orchid seeds
Oct 15, 2009 Orchid Propagation Leave a comment
The orchid seeds that I purchased from Thailand (off of ebay) arrived today. Now, I am just waiting on the seed sowing media to arrive – should be next week some time.
Orchid Seeds
