How to know when seed pods are ready?

[sweetas647]

Hi all,

Apologies if this question has been asked a bunch already, this is my first time on this particular forum (and first time giving flasking a go!).

I have an Aerangis curnowiana (or maybe punctata) with two seed pods (I believe... I did not pollinate the flowers myself and this was the first time this plant flowered for me). It stopped flowering around 11/15 and I've attached a photo of what the plant looks like now.

I want to give flasking a try, hopefully with this plant but if not then sometime down the line. I've heard of people waiting until the seed pods burst to flask but have also heard of starting before the pod bursts.

So I'm wondering if a) there is a minimum amount of time you should wait before flasking or if there are signs other than the seed pod bursting to indicate the seeds are ready and b) is this universal to all orchids or are there certain genera that are quick/slow to incubate their seeds.

Thanks in advance!