Over-ripe/rotting fruit to induce flowering?

[0rch1dman]

Has anyone tried using apples or other fruits in a plastic bag with a plant for a certain length of time to induce flowering? If so, please tell me more!!!

[delphiguy]

I have heard of this to induce hydrangeas to bloom... i have tried doing it with my
hydrangeas using an apple and banana.... but still it hasn't bloomed.

As for orchids, I have no idea.

[gardenguysorchids]

I have never heard of doing that to induce bloom. I have a degree in horticulture/floraculture and do know that the gases from many fruits WILL kill flowers and even plants. I would definately be afraid to try that with any of my orchids. I know for a fact that the life of an orchid bloom is drastically shortened if put with or near many types of fruit. Hope this helps in some way.

[0rch1dman]

Ethylene promotes flowering in pineapples. But I could find no other species that it was used on. I also know that it induces leaf and flower senescence, as well as seed germination. Thanks. I will test it on some different species and let you all know later in the year!

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Seems like I remember reading that ripening fruit will make buds blast. I am not sure, but I do remember making the decision to move my lemon tree out of the GH when the fruit started to ripen.

Cheers,
BD

[orchidaddict789]

Apparently ethylene gas has many functions.

* Stimulates the release of dormancy.
* Stimulates shoot and root growth and differentiation (triple response)
* May have a role in adventitious root formation.
* Stimulates leaf and fruit abscission.
* Stimulates Bromeliad flower induction.
* Induction of femaleness in dioecious flowers.
* Stimulates flower opening.
* Stimulates flower and leaf senescence.
* Stimulates fruit ripening.

Interesting, it encourages bromeliads to bloom. I wonder if it'll cause orchids to bloom...perhaps once orchids have budded they can be removed from exposure to ethylene gas, in order to avoid blasting the buds.

According to this website:
Ethylene

[0rch1dman]

I don't think you even need to expose the plants for that. The exposure for like 1-2 weeks causes the plant to release hormones that start the process. I don't know if it will work or not but I am going to give it a try

[lanhua]

Pedro,
this way is useful for Bromeliads, e.g pine apple.