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Thread: How to Prevent Steam-Cooking Disaster?

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  1. #1
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    Default How to Prevent Steam-Cooking Disaster?

    Hi,

    I use small glass containers for the flasking. I create the mixture, and then steam-cook the flasks for 45 minutes to ensure any fungi spore or any bacteria is death.

    But my problem is, that after the steam-cooking the germination mix is not just at the bottom of the glass, but even the walls are covered by many smaller and bigger pieces of the mixture, blocking free view and light.

    How to prevent this?

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    Ray Barkalow
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    Default

    I have never flasked at home, but what I've read is that you leave the lids on the containers in the cooker, then let it slowly cool in there. The agar will drain to the bottom and the lids will "suck" closed.

  3. #3
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    Hi, thanks. In fact, the lids are only loose on top, to prevent that under-pressure and keep me able to open them when I want.

    But what's causing that parts of the germination medium are even on the side walls of the flasks?

  4. #4
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    ian
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    hi,
    i am just a beginner in orchid flasking. but i suspect it might be due to over boiling of the media?
    i usually sit them in water and then let boiled for 30 minutes, let it cool in the cooker overnight. pics are in my blog with the tag label "sowing". i welcome any further input as i am learning here as well.

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    Sean Houtman
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    Sounds like it is boiling in the flasks, then congealing on the sides. It shouldn't be happening this way. It may be that you are using too much agar, it should be liquid when hot, and solid only below about 130F.

  6. #6
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    Thanks, that information will help me. I think, you all are right.

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