Selfing a Cattleya

[Gin]

Go for it, nothing ventured nothing gained . Gin

[Undergrounder]

I'm having second thoughts... I'd love to have lots of little Cattleyas of this type (can't remember the name this very second but it's a hybrid, one of those old-style large flowery ones) but i think i'll leave him for another year, he should bloom two flowers next year and i can pollinate one early and still have one open. I think i'll save the pollen sac from this guy though.

I also need to get some professional medium, my ferts/agar/sugar/rooting hormone mix hasn't worked so far.

If i can find a camera ill upload a pic.

[Pippin]

You can order media from Phytotech Labs, or much closer to you Western Orchids. Kevin Western makes really fine media for TC.

[Pippin]

I think you made a very good decision postponing the seed pod. If you want some back up plants, you can go for stem prop. You'll get your plants without any stress on the plant you have.
For stem prop. P 668 with 100 ml/l coconut water and 7-7.5 g agar should do it. That should give you 3-7 plants /node. If you add 4-6 mg/l 6-BAP you will get more plants /node, but the risk of mutations is much higher.

[Undergrounder]

Thanks Pippin, i think i will get in touch with Western Orchids and get a hold of some premixed medium. There's a mature capsule on one of my softcane Dens, so i think i'll try and get a successful germination on that before i risk a plant that i really like.

thanks everyone!

[Pippin]

That's a very good idea.