paph help needed

[momokev]

I was playing on ebay, and came across an auction for a flask of 10 paphs. These must be potted in a community pot as soon as received. They will be shipped aleady de-flasked ready for a community pot. What will this involve? I want to make sure I'm up to this challenge before I bid.
Thanks,

Lisa

[Paphraguy]

Hi, Lisa!

I have never really dealt with plants that small/young right out of the flasks because I just don't have the patience! You know most larger multiflorals can take many years to reach maturity and bloom. What kind of Paphs are they? Can you buy the same plants, preferably more established larger seedlings from a reputable Paph/Phrag vendor?

[momokev]

It is Paphiopelilum purpuratum and there are 10 plants for $15. raising deflasked seedling is one of my long term goals, and I know there are years involved, which is okay. I just want to know I'm no going to kill them all!

Lisa

[Paphraguy]

Oh ok, if that is your goal raising seedlings, then more power to you! Unfortunately, I don't grow that species, I mostly grow the multifloral Paphs. Perhaps, you can ask the grower for more info on how to raise them, their requirements and other important growing culture?

Hopefully, Jason has the right answer for you. Also, lja is working on his flasks, so maybe he can post some helpful tips! Good luck, Lisa! Have fun with it!

[Jmoney]

I stay away from flasks and seedlings under 4" leafspan, because my windowsills are relatively harsh (low humidity much of the time even with a humidifier). But, if you can provide 70% humidity and warm temps (over 70 ideally), there is no reason why you shouldn't try compots. I would make sure that the pictures in the auction are of the actual plants for sale (and not bogus "representative" pics), that they look healthy, and check on the feedback also.

purpuratum is a lovely species that unfortunately isn't that commonly available.

[momokev]

Thanks guys! I'm going to go for it.

Lisa

[LJA]

Lisa, since the grower is already deflasking the plants for you, they're going to come in a plastic container still in their agar. If their roots haven't developped yet to the point where you can safely rinse the agar away first, just plop the whole mass into a wide pot that can accomodate it with seedling mix beneath the agar. As you water and the plants grow, the agar will dissolve and the roots will grow down into the medium. Then, when the plants are big enough, you can transplant them into individual pots.

[Jmoney]

Antec has an article that illustrates this "agar-on" potting method.

link

[momokev]

Louis, can I use the same seeling mix for the paphs as I do for my catts? It's a fine fir bark mix. And can I use a clay pot?. I have one I think will be a good size for this.

Jason, great article! I've book marked it and I will re-read it again.

Thanks everyone for the help!

Lisa

[LJA]

Lisa, as long as it's a fine mix that will keep the roots damp between waterings, I don't see why you couldn't use it.

Have fun! Getting an orchid you've grown from a tiny seedling to bloom is one of the most rewarding experiences around!