Seed pods on Catasinae

[Lars Kurth]

I was wondering whether pollinating Catasinae with the aim of inducing seed pods will weaken the plants. I have set seeds on other orchids before, which often has a detrimental effect on growth. I was wondering whether the same is true for Catasinae.

A lot of my plants are starting to spike and it looks as if many will flower at the same time. If the effect on the plants is not too tough, I was planning to pollinate some. That is assuming that I have male as well as female flowers. So far I always got either female flowers on all plants, or male flowers. With the odd exception!

Any views or advice?

Lars

[kavanaru]

Seeds production is always a stress factor for all orchids (and all plants!). This is the reason why normally you use so called "Mother plants" for reproduction, which are normally strong and healthy plants. And even though, normally not many pods are "induced" on these plants.

Catasetinae produce the largest pods in the orchid world with the largest number of seeds per pod. They have naturally created a way to protect themselves by producing female flowers mainly on strong plants. If your plants are producing female flowers, they should be strong to hold one or two pods... I would use the chance.. ifthe plant is too weak it will abort the pods itself....

[Lars Kurth]

Thank you: presumably rest period, etc. all applies. How long does it take for a pod to ripen?

With a bit of luck I will get male & female flowers this year.

[isurus79]

I fertilized my Catasetum tenebrosum this spring and the two pods are now bigger than the p-bulbs of the mother plant and look like they still have plenty of room to grow! Make sure the mother plant is fat and healthy!!