Some of you may remember a bunch of flasks I made way back in March, 08. I plated a few species of seed, but only two species made it through. Barkeria spectabilis, which I deflasked a few months ago, and a truckload of Laelia lucasiana...I replated september 08

They've been sitting a few inches from some T8s for a while. I didn't get around to deflasking them, and noticed a few weeks ago that they were sorely in need of deflasking. Anyway, I got my courage together today and finally set forth with my fresh sphag and plastic pots to deflask the suckers.

I took photos of the process in case anyone is curious to know what happens - it's only my second time doing this though, so only time will tell if things work out.

Six stuffed replate flasks

Most of the seedlings are still nice and happy but some are showing signs of nutrient deficiency or some sort of other problem. The agar has reduced significantly in size.

I had to smash the flasks apart with a hammer. Luckily, with a quick tip and shake, the entire agar blob slipped out.

Washing the agar off in my big red bowl...

Okay so I am NEVER going to make six flasks again. The next time I replate, I'm going to throw away all those little protocorms and just replate the biggest, fattest ones. No more feeling sorry for the runty ones!

As you can see, some of the seedlings are actually pretty big with multiple growths already. Others are tiny little things

All potted up - I soaked the sphagnum in a weak fertilizer solution. Basically I'm loosely following the procedure on the troy meyers website.

...and of course, I couldn't give up on the tiny guys, so the majority of them I potted up together in a 2" pot. I also potted up the three largest seedlings in their own 2" pot.

In case anyone is wondering what this plant looks like, it's a really cute little rupicolous laelia species (IOSPE link)...which actually makes me a little anxious seeing them all compotted up in sphag. Any ideas?

I'll keep you all updated!
The photo stream

-Calvin

When I saw the pic of all the babies laid out on the newspaper, I had to laugh. What a job planting all those and just think of all the little individual pots in your near future. I sure hope you have a plan for selling some of your future kids.

Phenomenal job though. I'm happy you posted an update.

Kevin

Terry - what do you have growing up? Be sure to post pics :)

Kevin - that was exactly what I was thinking when I threw the smallest of the little guys into the insinkerator last night...cry. I just wish I were in the states so I could send some of you these seedlings...maybe on my next trip to NYC...(I mean, I started these darn things from seed, so no moral ethical dilemma there). Let me know if anyone interested!
WC - delayed gratification is an understatement! But you can bet I'm going to bust out the champagne when the first one flowers. I'm only flasking things I *really* want and can't find from now on.

Christine

I just acquired my first Laelia lucasiana less than two weeks ago, the old-fashioned way. I imported from Brasil! It's a mature, FS plant.

Regards,

--Stitz--

If you do go to NYC and can ship the things, LMK. I'll pay whatever price you want - well not ANY price, but I'm sure we can work something out. Seriously - really - I will pay cash.

Kevin

"...and of course, I couldn't give up on the tiny guys,..."

:))) You sound like a new papa. They are Very cute, all perky and healthy and green in their little pots. Good for you! And thank you for all the interesting process pictures!

Sc