Growing Lady Slippers from seed

[Paul Mc]

As a side note, I shouldn't classify all of the sellers as such. Illegal sellers do exist though so go through a reputable dealer or seller.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Habenaria spp. tend not to be great beginners terrestrial orchids. There are far more easier species to get you started, but Habenaria, Hemipilia, Platanthera, and Pecteilis are not one of those.

If you want to ease your way into terrestrial orchids I recommend something simple to start with such as Bletilla spp., Spathoglottis spp., or Bletia spp. As you gain more confidence, perhaps you can decide to try Habenaria radiata.

The problem with Habenaria, Hemipilia, Pecteilis, and Platanthera are the tuberoids. They resemble miniature hairy potatoes with very thin skin. There is only one point of growth, and if that dies, that's it, there's no salvaging it at all. Heck, there's no salvaging the tuberoids if any part of them get damaged. They are prone to rot from over watering and from not properly observing their natural seasonal wet/dry cycles and dormancy. And they can be damaged very easily from mishandling. Insects also love to eat these guys - they are an easy meal, (the tuberoids have very little physical protective means to deter predation from insects and such).

While it may be easier to grow something like Habenaria radiata while it is actively growing during growing season; the biggest challenge is getting them through dormancy and growing again for the next growing season. It's not to say that problems won't arise while cultivating them during their growing season, however.

[Paul Mc]

My bletila are sure bets every year! They are easy to grow and I give them minimal attention in comparison to other plants.

[Paul Mc]

Bletilla, darned auto correct, lol...

[rangiku]

Originally Posted by nynighthawk

Greetings,

I've been seeing an offering of Cypripedium acaule seeds for sale and am wondering if anyone has successfully tried to grow these US Native orchids from seed.

nighthawk, Dr. Peter Faletra and his 5th-8th grade students from Crossroads Academy gave a talk today at the New Hampshire Orchid Society on doing this by raising in tissue culture C. acaule, C. calceolus, C. reginae, and C. arietinum. There is a fifth one, but I can't recall it. Perhaps you can contact them and help establish a sanctuary in your area.

Crossroads Plant Restoration | Plant Restoration | Crossroads Plant Restoration

[Pelepel]

Paul and King, thanks so much for the information about the little Egret. I think I'll stick to ones that are a little easier for now. Even with 3 years under my belt, that is just a scratch on the surface when it comes to orchids..or anything for that matter. You never stop learning, even as a very advanced grower.

Down the line, I'll perhaps try a few of these guys. VERY interesting, nonetheless. I love learning about said orchids....simply fascinating. I'll appreciate them even more on the rare chances I run across them at shows!