BumbleeBee Orchid Seeds from Europe

[pasojanice]

Hi one and all, I have just received seeds from a grower in Europe for the Bumble Bee Orchid which grows in the Med. area. I am not sure of the growing conditions here in my area, Region 5 in Pennsylvania. I have been following Google and other information since in Europe this is found outside in various conditions. I have been thinking of planting in pots and putting in my sun room to monitor. There are various growing issues such as sea shells in the mix, etc.... I am wondering if anyone has any information they could share with me or if I am going to be a "pioneer" in this adventure! LOL Thanks so much in advance for any help you can render.
Pasojanice

[WhiteRabbit]

I haven't a clue ... good luck!

[pasojanice]

Hi Sonya, You gave me a giggle! I have a funny feeling that I am going to be the experimenter in this one. Should be interesting. I have about 7 orchids blooming right now and didn't get in on the Spring group project, did you? I did last year's which was fun but not this one. So, this will be my project this time!

[Leafmite]

I haven't grown this but I grow many odd plants. Sea shells can equal egg shells, oyster shells, lime...any good source of calcium. Read where it grows and on/in what (pictures help with this). Temperature and rainfall averages are helpful, too, as well as elevation. I buy many plants that shouldn't grow in Ohio and it usually just takes a bit of research. Good luck!

[Bud]

I have posted my thread about this orchid and hope you can pick up something from it.

Epidendrum porpax

[pasojanice]

Thanks Leafmite. I have also emailed the seller to ask him and hopefully, he will be able to help. I also grow those "odd ball" plants. I have googled and googled and that's the fun of growing orchids and other unusuals. Learning so much! Will keep you posted.
Pasojanice

---------- Post added at 04:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:32 PM ----------

Really like the mount and your instructions! Thanks again.

[AnonYMouse]

Do you know if it is the Epi Bud mentions or if it is one of the Ophrys (if so, which one)?

If it is the Ophrys that was going around the internet a few weeks ago, here is the Species info. Might give you some idea of its growing conditions.

[euplusia]

I am pretty sure that you mean Ophrys holoserica, which is sometimes considered to be synonymous to Ophrys fuciflora (with a wide spectrum of subspecies).
Artifical propagation from seed should be carried out successfully, but if I find something it would be in German language. In nature they germinate in balance with a mycel. Artifical germination is done under sterile conditions with a special formula for terrestrial orchids, very different from the formula for epiphytic orchids, and more difficult.

[pasojanice]

This is the Ophrys Asifera. I am awaiting an answer from the seller so hopefully will hear and then will post his answer for all.

[pasojanice]

Good Afternoon! I did receive an answer from Mel, in England who advised me to plant them and raise them in my sunroom. Okay. Also, that raising orchids from seeds is very tricky. Okay, I believe that. Everything must be sterile and use the best potting medium. I certainly believe that all this is what all of us would advise but I love the last part of his message. "Join an orchid forum"! I wrote him back and told him that I do belong to the best Orchid Forum on the web and I would be posting his answer and I was an "experimenter"! His conversation was very pleasant so off I go! Now, recommendations folks. Please.....