Den. Pam .... seedpod ready?

[Yourneedfulthings]

This is my first attempt at pollination, the seedpod in the photo is almost 5 month since pollinated.
My question: does it look ready to harvest? I see the ridges getting more pronounce and I do not want it to burst.

[Fairorchids]

Pam,

There are several variables here.

1. Green pod or Dry pod.
From your comments, it appears that you want to harvest a green pod.

2. What group(s) of the very large Dendrobium genus are we dealing with?
I found following information on the AOS web site:

Dendrobium devonianum, lituifolium, anosmum 160-250 186
Dendrobium nobile and its hybrids 150-180 163
Dendrobium bigibbum (phalaenopsis) and its hybrids 120-40 131
Dendrobium stratiotes, superbiens and their hybrids 150-200 162

The range indicated shows:
First number = Min age (in days) at which good germination is achieved.
Second number = Max age (in days) at which good germination is achieved.
Third number = average of the two.

I don't know the Dendrobium genus well enough to place your plant (which might be a mix of two or more classes).

[Ray]

My rule of thumb: the moment you see slight yellowing in either end of the capsule, harvest it for "green-pod" sowing.

[Yourneedfulthings]

Kim,
Thank you for the information.
The Orchid in question (den. Pam tajima rhodostictum) is a cross from: den. eximium x
den. atroviolaceum. Both den. are Latouria species.
All that said, I still do not know where those fit on the seed pod time table.
I was hoping some one that has collected green seeds for flashing will mention some hints to look for that will improve my chances of harvesting the pod at the correct time.

[Yourneedfulthings]

Thank you Ray. That helps.
Ana Maria

[Fairorchids]

Ana Maria,

I could not find anything on pod maturity time for latouria section Dendrobiums. You could try to calling H&R Orchids in HI, as they do a lot of breeding in this section.

The few sources I have found, are unfortunately often in conflict. One says 140-180 days for Bulbophyllums, another says 3 months for green pod.

For Paphs, which can take 180-440 days for dry pod, I normally harvest at about 10 months (insigne group & complex hybrids).

[Yourneedfulthings]

Kim,
Thank you for your replay and research. I harvested my seed pod, it's been about 150 days and it started to change into a yellowish tone.(photo below).
It is my first time so I have no comparison, I am guessing that it would have benefitted from more time.
They are in flasks now. I will report if I get any success.
I will be the first one to be surprise.