When is pod ready to be opened?

[diego_ola]

This is the first time I have ever tried to fertilize an orchid and didn't think it would work. It has been maturing since June or July, so 7-8 months have gone by. In the past 2 weeks it has been finally started to look drier and no longer bright green but browning. To me it sounds like its ready but what do I do? do I put it in an envelope and gently press it, or just leave it in there and it will open itself? I'm a little confused by that part. Next I need to know what to dip the seeds in to sterilize them, and would boiling a jar be sufficient enough to sterilize that? I know these are probably simple questions but I would really appreciate the help. Is it possible for an orchid to be fertilized but then the seeds to be unfertile and not grow? This is all very exciting for me and I hope it works!