Hand Pollination of Phal

[Prime]

I've tried hand pollinating one of my phals and I'm just wondering how will you know if you have a successful pollination. Another thing is that once you've pollinate the flower, how long will it still be in it's full bloom and what actually or should happen to the flower after you inserted the pollen?

[Cjcorner]

I've tried hand pollinating one of my phals and I'm just wondering how will you know if you have a successful pollination. Another thing is that once you've pollinate the flower, how long will it still be in it's full bloom and what actually or should happen to the flower after you inserted the pollen?

I do not pollinate my orchids. I am a happy Noid buyer. lol There are a ton of people that do cross on here though, and if you do a separate post asking the same question I assure you they will all be happy to help. There is also an informative article on crossing somewhere in the learning section. You could try to do a search on the top bar...
Good Luck!

[JoeW]

If successful the column will begin to swell as the labellum, sepals and petals begin to wilt. All the blossoms on the inflorescence may die too as the orchid responds to a successful pollination.

See this for a picture of developing seed pods.
http://www.rv-orchidworks.com/orchid...tml#post132415

[AtantaR]

Sorry if i sound like a newb...cause i am...lol

But how would you go about pollinating a phal by hand. I could not find anything in the other forums. Also can you pollinate the same phal or does it have to be two seperate plants....thankz

[Halloamey]

Sorry if i sound like a newb...cause i am...lol

But how would you go about pollinating a phal by hand. I could not find anything in the other forums. Also can you pollinate the same phal or does it have to be two seperate plants....thankz

Have a look at my post about hybridizing C. Eros and Lc. Love knot. You might find some pictures helpful. First learn the basic biology and parts of the orchid flowers, then pollination will be easy. Most orchids are self sterile, i.e in the event of self pollination (Same flower, or flowers on the same plant) the flowers will wilt and die but not produce seeds. But many hybrids can be selfed.

[cindiras]

Hmmmmm!
Did I read somewhere on one of Orchidtalks posts, that good old spit (yes your saliva) can help promote self pollination?

[AtantaR]

thanks Amey for your post. The pictures were very helpful. Did you get a bunch of lil ones with that love connection?............Saliva to promote self pollination, Cindiras? sounds random but how so?

[cindiras]

If my swiss cheese memory is functioning, the saliva confused the little flower so it does not recognize the pollen as it's own. No guarentees on that, my memory is full of holes!

[margo]

Cindi, yes you did! Here is a link with some info, Prime. Read post #7.
http://www.rv-orchidworks.com/orchid...ooks-sick.html