Rcv. David Sander seed pod
 

I have pollinated my Rhynchovola David Sander when I accidentally dropped the plant once, and now the seed pod is forming. Any idea when will be the time for me to send it to the lab for flasking?

6-12 months, probably in the middle somewhere but closer to 12.

SPECIES

I can't find the plant data in that website you gave me, but I'll follow what you said, thanks :)

The list I posted is only for species. Just look at the parent species to give you an idea.

For green pod harvest I find Brassavola cucullata at 75-80 days and Rhyncholaelia digbyana at 200-210 days. It should be somewhere between, but that's a broad range and I wouldn't be surprised if it was close to one extreme or the other, so watch it closely.

PaphMadMan, what are the signs that the green pod is ready for harvest? I'm also uncertain about which pod harvest is better for yield, so please advise, thank you.

Both green pod and mature pod harvest should give similar numbers of viable seed in a fertile cross. The difference comes in how the seed is handled to avoid contamination of flasks. If you are planning to send your pod to a lab you should ask them which they prefer to deal with and allow their experience to guide you.

It seems like optimum time for green pod harvest is determined by trial and error rather than any visible characteristics, and certainly depends on environmental conditions. I would assume that as long as the pod is growing it is too soon, and by the first sign of color change after that it is almost too late but would still be possible to harvest as mature.

I have found other sources that give broader, more similar and overlapping green pod harvest times for Brassavola and Rhyncholaelia species. Based on that, if it was my pod I would harvest it at 130-150 days, unless it changes color sooner or is still growing.

Keep us posted.

Thanks PaphMadMan for your advice :) I'll check out with the lab I'll send to once I find one...

My seed pod has burst after just 4 months, and I find a lot of white powder inside it, is it ready or premature?

If it split on its own it is probably mature. The white powder is the seed. Whether the seed is viable is a separate question. You can usually see the embryos in viable seed under a microscope at lowest magnification.