When to deflask Cattleya skinneri

[ang709]

I have a small flask of Guarianthe (formerly Cattleya) skinneri. It came with instructions saying they should be ready to come out after '1-2 months, or when they are 2 inches in height'. It is now nearly two months, but only about three of them are two inches. Should I continue to wait before deflasking?

[garyb]

How big are the others? 1" + or little guys? If this is your first flask, it may be better to wait as long as they are growing OK in the flask. Can you post a picture?

[ang709]

Most are just over an inch. There are a few smaller than an inch. I will try to get some pictures.

And, yes, this is my first time deflasking.

[ang709]

Got pictures faster than I expected, but not as clear as I hoped. The tiniest ones didn't show up too well. I hope these are clear enough.

[garyb]

Your flask looks good - healthy leaves and roots. If it was mine, I'd deflask it now. The only negative I see with keeping it in the flask longer, is that there is not much agar left.

[jeffrey6115]

I'd say they're ready. Just have to chance it with the smaller ones.

[ang709]

Thank you! I guess I know what I'm doing this weekend...

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Okay, I have looked at this a few times now. Having deflasked several cattleyas this size, I would say wait a bit longer. It is probably just my bad luck, but the ones that are still tiny would totally be lost in my care. As long as the flask is still sealed, I think they can grow a couple months more. And if you do deflask, pot them in a community pot instead of individual pots for a time. JMHO - others probably have much more experience.

However you proceed, I wish you luck and hope you will take photos to document your process to share with us.

cheers,
BD