DIY - guide to orchid propagation!

[scopinox]

Awesome article. Just wanted to ask two things.

First, what type of silicone are you using? i gather that it has to be heat stable.

Second, how do you make sure that your needle doesn'e get clogged with the silcone?

When do we get to see updated photos??

[Korxi]

You can use any kind of silicone I think, all of the ones I've been looking at can tolerate temps. of up to 220 degrees celcius - don't know how much that is in fahrenheit

Since the silicone is dry and rubbery when you punch the needle through there is no clogging, it cuts through!

I think something wen't a bit wrong in my medium preparation or maybe the seed were just not viable.. I've only got 6-7 protocorms in one of the jars Perhaps my temps. arent quite high enough, the jars are placed on my windowsill and they feel quite cold in the morning! However there has been no contamination in any of the jars so the sowing method works!

On a side note I'm working on a small project to construct a jar that contains two different media, one for germination and one for replating. I think I've come up with a method of actually replating in the jars, so you won't have to open the lid and risk contamination

I'll post pics once I get it done, but I haven't really started yet - it's all in my head for now

Christian

[flasker]

I know its been a while but how did you project turn out?

[makmak20]

how long should the seed germination will be taken from pollination

[ntgerald]

I am interested in how everything turned out!

[GrumpyBear]

i followed this guide in the summer, i can tell you my experiences but they're less than encouraging.
i prepped the flasks about two weeks ahead of time, initially i had no contamination in any flasks so i went ahead with the seed sowing. i don't know what went wrong at this stage because all the flasks started growing either a knarly black yuck or a disgusting grey fuzz (and in one case both). i kept them for a ridiculous amount of time hoping some miracle would occur, but no dice.
i still like the method, and would be interested in giving it another go when i have more time. lord knows when that will be tho...
korxi, if you're out there, where did i go wrong?

[jeffrey6115]

All it takes is one spore to contaminate the whole flask. Sounds like the seed weren't completely clean. With all the precautions I use (glove box, 10% bleach solution, green pod, etc...) it still happens to me as well. Don't give up. Just try again.

[dudleyleroux]

yes, don't give up. You just have to find the sterilization techniques that work for you.
I still get contamination periodically, I just autoclave the whole thing, throw it away and start afresh.

[Moosecakes]

Curious for updates...
I am pollinating my Phal, in hopes for viable seed pods. I am going to try to use my university's lab to do the procedure. Ive got two professors that are total orchid and plant nuts like myself so i have a feeling they may be willing to lend a helping hand!

[Lizzy]

I'm going to try this out! I am waiting for seeds and I guess I need a pressure cooker. That's ok, I like making chilli, anyhow! One question...should I refrigerate the filled flasks after sterilization (during the period were I see if they are sterile or not)? Or should they be kept at room temperature?
Thank you so much for coming up with this plan! Even more thanks for posting it.

Happy Growing!
-Lizzy