Introduction to orchid flasking

The equipment and procedures described here are for asymbiotic (no fungi) in vitro propagation usually knowing to amateur enthusiasts as orchid flasking. Symbiotic flasking using special fungi is another option sometimes used for other types of orchids but is an unnecessary complication for Pleiones.

The procedures described are all able to be performed in a normal family home, usually the kitchen, and the equipment and materials are all available or obtainable without spending a fortune. No professional knowledge or experience is necessary but meticulous planning, organization, timing and attention to detail is needed. The process is long with numerous stages where things can go wrong. Some stages  are fiddly and need some dexterity.  By far the most important factor throughout is good aseptic technique and preventing the interior of the flasks becoming contaminated with fungi or bacteria.

We aim to achieve the following:

1.      Prepare gel media optimized for Pleione germination and growth. 

2.      Prepare suitable containers (flasks) containing the correct amount of media. 

3.      Sterilise the media in the containers using an autoclave (pressure cooker). 

4.      Make a suitable glove box or laminar air flow cabinet for maintaining a sterile environment during sowing, flask transfers and any other time the flasks are not hermetically sealed. 

5.      Disinfect (surface sterilize) the seed immediately prior to sowing. 

6.      Transfer the disinfected seed to the surface of the media. 

7.      Incubate the flasks under optimized conditions of light and temperature. 

8.      Reflask into new media at certain stages of growth. 

9.      Deflask and transfer immature plantlets into bark or moss media. 

10. Grow on to flowering plants. 

To Be Continued later in the year when I will be flasking again. This way I will be able to take pictures during the process.

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