Slobbering stupid over my mexipedium bloom

[epiphyte78]

Well, I'm not at all interested in slippers but if there are few legitimate sources for this plant, then given that it's on Appendix 1 of CITES and you've got some people drooling over it...pollination is probably a good idea in order to reduce any potential strain on wild populations. Not that any Orchid Board members would ever consider the 'don't ask don't tell' policy for orchid purchases but perhaps there are less scrupulous people who might happen upon this thread.

If you successfully pollinate it then you might check out Troy Meyers Conservatory for flasking.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by epiphyte78

Well, I'm not at all interested in slippers but if there are few legitimate sources for this plant, then given that it's on Appendix 1 of CITES and you've got some people drooling over it...pollination is probably a good idea in order to reduce any potential strain on wild populations. Not that any Orchid Board members would ever consider the 'don't ask don't tell' policy for orchid purchases but perhaps there are less scrupulous people who might happen upon this thread.

If you successfully pollinate it then you might check out Troy Meyers Conservatory for flasking.

Excellent! I guess I am on a soap box lately, but "don't ask" doesn't cut it with me. I have no personal knowledge of this orchid, (and nothing against the thread) but I have seen many examples of orchids removed from their habitat by hopeful growers (probably without a clue as to growth regimen) and this bothers me. I grow mostly species orchids, and want to believe the suppliers are above-board.

[vmax3000]

Ouch. I was unaware of the import/export issue, as well. Most of the respondents are folks I have been talking to about flasking, anyway. I will have to check with the supplier on this particular plant.

[ericst11]

Thats a pretty one . I've wanted one of those for years. just have not fond a good one for sale yet

[quiltergal]

All Paphs and Prags are on appendix 1. Personally I think it's a bit of overkill, no pun intended. You can't collect the plants, you can't harvest the seed pods, you can't even collect the pollenia. I have several species in my collection that I purchased from a reputable grower. Technically even if it is seed grown presumably the pod came from somewhere originally. I'm certainly not advocating wholesale wild orchid collecting as in years past, however, I think CITES has overcorrected a bit.