Growing orchids from seed is difficult. Orchid seeds require a symbiotic fungus to germinate, and it can take anywhere from
First, know what you are growing. If an insect has pollinated your plant, it could be crossed with the pollen of another orchid. To avoid such surprises, plants should be hand-pollinated.
Know the parentage of the plants and only cross pure species or award wining hybrids. This means you may have to make a significant investment in purchasing the parent plants from reputable suppliers. Also, the plants you raise will not necessarily all have the same flowers as its parents. Because of this unknown factor, professional hybridizers prefer to use stem propagation where ever possible .
If you can not provide a sterile area to propagate the seeds, then don't try to proceed. Fungus spores in the air will attack the new growth as fast as it grows in a non-sterile environment. To create a sterile area, a glove box or flasking case works very well.
Orchid Growing Tools and Materials
(All items used in the flasking case MUST be sterile)
- Spray bottle with 10% bleach and soap solution (made from Clorox and dish detergent)
- 500ml Pyrex Beaker (for the preparation of the growth media)
- Flasks with one hole rubber stoppers
- Synthetic cotton (to fill in the hole in the stoppers)
- Labeling material (to note parentage of the cross)
- Pressure cooker or autoclave
- Razor blades (to cut the pod open)
- Toothbrush (for cleaning the seed pod)
- Small syringe (for introducing water into the flasks)
- Bamboo skewers or small sticks
- Aluminum foil
- A place to grow the seeds that has controlled light and temperatures, e.g., growing room or greenhouse.
- Tray ( to wash seed pod in)
- Distilled water (gallon bottle)
- Growth media
The growth media is very important and can vary with the types of orchids you are growing. It must be mixed and prepared according to the directions. Retailers of growth media are listed in the American Orchid Society magazine.
Growing Orchids from Seed Procedure
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