Should I try breeding orchids?

[Bob]

I've been reading a bit on breeding orchids. It sounds very complicated, tricky and time consuming. (I'm not as patient as I used to be) It must also be very satisfying - but - - -
Any tips or further reading suggestions?

[Janet]

It's fun, but you do need to be patient. Begin with smaller orchids like mini-catts--something that will bloom young. I didn't do the flasking myself but sent the pods off to be flasked.

[Bob]

If I do it, I'd really like to do Phrags.. Is it that much different? Is on line info adequate?

[opaline]

Hi all, I have had my two cents with flasks from scratch - cycnoche, cymbi and dendro using agar jelly and a temp controlled propagater with vent fans etc. Lets just say If im gonna do it now I buy the flasks ready germinated and remove str8 away and cultivate as normal. You need patience and tolerance and time and no matter how strict you are with hygiene and cross contamination I had a constant battle between ventilation and warmth/ humidity and fungal. bacterial problems. When I obtain seedlings now I just use a half coke bottle with no lid. this is what i m using now for my phal belina seedlings and have had an easier time being 'bak2basics' however here in uk with the seasons I would never even contemplate doing it betw oct and april. Remember that us orchid lovers wait endlessly for our beloved babies to spike so just think and compare how long you will be waiting from seed, est. - 4-5 years!!!

[Zozzl]

I tried it a few years ago. I made a flasking glove box out of a large plastic storage box and cut holes in it for gloves, etc. It was fun and I did get some germination although fungus developed in the containers and i lost them. I want to do a bit of hybrizing but I am going to send the pods out because I am not experienced enough and I would like a decent amount of plants. If you don't mind the trial and error part of the experience I am sure you could learn to do the flasking although it does take time to be successful. If you choose plants that grow quickly that would decrease your wait time for blooming.

Deflasked seedlings would be quicker. You could send your pod off and get the flasks or seedlings back. I am an expert on killing deflasked seedings so I would be to happy to share with you all the things NOT to do.