Orchid flasks are grown in a laboratory setting under flourescent lights and controlled temperature.  Acclimate the flasks is the first step in deflasking.  Deflasked orchid plants require slight lower light intensity and temperature than your mature plants.  Place the flasks in a similar area for a week or longer.  Sometimes, the flasks may be left alone for several months with no harmful effects.  Do not provide irrigation.  If water gets in the flask, fungus or bacteria may infect the flask and eventually harm the orchid flask.  If the flask gets infected, deflask immediately.

Deflask, by removing the stopper, fill the flask with luke-warm water then gently shake the flask to loosen the plants.  The water helps loosen the plants and lubricates the plants as they are being pulled out.  We use a homemade tool with a hook at the end.  The tool helps removing the plants from the flask.  Other nurseries break the flask to get to the plants.  Empty the flask in a bucket or tray of luke-warm water.  Carefully remove the agar from the roots.

Grade plants by size, smaller plants in compots, larger plants in plug trays and sometimes we get very large plants that go in 2 1/2 inch pots.  Compot media is usually Promix and sponge rock.  Plug trays use oasis cubes and 2 1/2 inch pots use fine orchid bark.  The media is usually the grower's choice by what's available, how the orchids are grown and the type of orchid.

After planting, we use a fungicide called Subdue.  This reduces the risk to fungal diseases.  Provide higher humidity than your mature plants.  Water and fertilize similar to your mature plants.  This is a general guide to deflasking.  It has worked for us many years.  Always experiment to find better ways for your growing area.

Enjoy the orchids.