Orchid nursery training.

[Paradiso]

Hello. Is there a nursery where you can pay and learn how to make the right kind of media, growing orchids ect ect. Where in the world does not matter, but would prefer somewhere in Asia. Also it seems like I cant pollinate dendrobium. If any of you how a small how to guide it would be Perfect ).

Thank you all.

[WhiteRabbit]

Hmm... are there any orchid societies near you?

[AnonYMouse]

Not sure about orchids and what current curriculums are like but some universities (trade schools) used to have agricultural exchange internship programs. Nurseries here (California) would host international students/interns. Sorry, I'm being vague but I'm remembering from when I was a kid, meeting these international exchange students/interns.

Couldn't hurt to ask some of the reputable growers/labs if they are willing to take you on as an intern. (I would stay away from third party agencies unless the growers specifies them or are VERY reputable.)

[RJSquirrel]

I use to just go to the local greenhouse and ask If I can plant some flasks and work for orchids .

I think my 1st day I planted about 500 plants. My back was killing me and I couldnt see straight when I was done but Got off with some nice plants that day and learned a lot on how to plant treat and feed them.

trade off some work for your training and they would enjoy that more than you paying hey

[Paradiso]

Hello ). The only orchid society in the philippines (as far as I can find out) is really bad. I think I am going to write a bunch of emails to any lab in asia . Thanks for the replies

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by Paradiso

...Also it seems like I cant pollinate dendrobium...

That's because many of them are not necessarily self fertile and it is difficult to cross Dendrobiums between sections. To guarantee success, you must outcross and/or you must cross within the same section.

My recommendation to those with rare Dendrobium species is to get at least a pair, and start breeding. If you want those species around, breed them into the hobby. Don't wait for a nursery to breed them into the hobby, because most nurseries are thinking about what sells. If that special Dendrobium of yours does not really sell well, and that dear Dendrobium drops dead on you for any reason, there isn't necessarily someone who'd be willing or able to share another individual of that species with you.

Not to mention, nurseries can get sold or go out of business.

Plants can just as easily go "extinct" in our hobby just like they can in the wild. Worst case scenario is that the orchid species goes extinct both in the wild and in the hobby - then it's tough luck, it's a Dodo; once alive, now gone, but always in our memories.

[Paradiso]

Thank you Orchid King )