cymbidium faberi seed pod

[wblevins]

OK so I've always been very interested in chinese orchids and so I finally ordered a cymbidium faberi from Taiwan. When it came, there was a big fat seed pod on it. I've been doing some research about germinating the seeds and it sounds very difficult, but I also hate to see the seed pod go to waste. Is C. Faberi difficult to germinate? What type of medium is best? How long do I leave the pod on the plant before giving this a shot? What method of germination would be best to follow for this species? I'm new to all of this but very eager to learn. Any help anyone can provide would be greatly appreciated!

[Moosecakes]

Any of the commercially prepared media will be excellent. The media wont be your first obstacle to overcome however. Main concern will be maintaining a sterile environment. Read up on "orchid flasking" or "orchid propagation via tissue culture" for more information on that. If you feel up to it, give it a shot. It is extremely fun and rewarding, but can get expensive if you dont have access to a university's research lab or something similar.
I cant speak as to when cymbidium pods are ready, hopefully someone else will chime in.
If you decide flasking isnt for you, you can always sell the pod. There are many many eager members (myself included ) always on the prowl for orchid seeds!
Good luck!!!

[wblevins]

ok thanks! I'd even be willing to do some trading or something. I just hate to see it not put to good use. I've always had a love of chinese orchids even before I ever saw one. My favorite ink paintings were the orchid paintings and I used to admire them for hours. Then to find out they have such an amazing scent as well..... wow! I took a picture and let me see if I can get it posted.

[Moosecakes]

Ya a picture would be awesome!
Im growing Bletilla striata from seed right now, just had somewhere near 200 seeds germinate over the course of the past 2-3 weeks. No doubt you have heard of this orchid, it is a very common chinese orchid used in cultural medicine! Very neat plant indeed.

[wblevins]

ok I think I figured this out:

[wblevins]

Yes I have some bletilla as well! I love the fact that you can just plant those lil dudes right in the ground here! I have B. striata as well!

[Moosecakes]

Oh yes, very nice!!!!
Certainly one of the cymbidium experts will pop in here and clue us in as to when it is best to harvest the green pod.

[wblevins]

btw.... I have my orchids outside on my covered patio. Is that ok? It's really hot and humid here in Oklahoma and I thought they might like the fresh air!

[Moosecakes]

Oh yes, very nice!!!!
Certainly one of the cymbidium experts will pop in here and clue us in as to when it is best to harvest the green pod.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

btw.... I have my orchids outside on my covered patio. Is that ok? It's really hot and humid here in Oklahoma and I thought they might like the fresh air!

I moved all of our cyms outside (Arkansas) and they love it. I will leave them there until just before the first frost. The ones we grow require a very cold drop to bloom.

Cheers,
BD