pollinating

[maggs]

Can anyone please tell me what a phalaenopsis flower should look like when it is pollinated ,I did that but the flower petals are withering the stem is green still and where I put the pollen is swollen, I thought I would love to try it out jut to see what I may get

[kspalding]

Think of basic impregnation. The area swells. This is actually the plants ovary. Yellowing is another basic since the "baby" will feed from the mother (causing the mother to be weaker where the baby gets stronger). This is one thing plants, animals, and even ppl. seem to have in common. A good site to look at is North Jersey Orchid Society.

[SeanHoutman]

The first stage in orchid pollination is for the column to swell up. This will happen as the pollen tubes grow. Although a good sign, it doesn't mean that you will get seeds. The second stage is for the petals and sepals to shrink and change color. On Phals, they usually turn green, at this stage the capsule will start to elongate and swell up. Over the next several months (5-6 usually) the pod will get larger and larger. When a Phal is ripe, it will start to turn yellowish.

[maggs]

I have noticed a swelling on the flower stem this morning, actually I did two flowers, one of each plant switched pollen, the stems are green still, and I will not be touching anything until I know for sure what is going on, by the way, the two plants are outside getting all the elements and seem to be loving it, I do not know if anyone in these parts has ever done this so I am hoping that all goes well, updates will follow

[kspalding]

Yay, that is a good sign. For a Newbie not so bad, huh. Smile u deserve it. Just don't get arrogant. Complications can arise in any case especially with this erratic weather. Keep it fed watered and warm. Best conditions for this stage.

[maggs]

Thanks for comments, no I would not get arrogant, I am in contact with someone here where I live, who has done this before including creating an orchid that got recognition internationally, his name is Curtis Lutchman, when the two pods are ready I have to let him know, he has all the amenities to cultivate it.

[plucker]

The pods will grow quickly in the first few weeks and most likely max out in size. Then they start to work on the seed creation inside the pod.
Pods ripening times are dependant on weather and the mother plants genes. Warmer weather will see the pods split after 3-4 months, whereas cooler weather may see them last much longer.
Before the pod ripens and opens, you will notice the pod start to change colour - much like it is dying. In nature, the pod needs to dry out and crack to allow the seeds to drift off in the wind, which would be about a week after you start to see colour change.
I dont see any difference in plant growth when they have a seed pod. I notice the growth reduce when a plant is working towards flowering. Carrying a seed pod wont drain the plant like holding flowers do and you can grow as per normal.