How and when to flask Grammatophyllum???

[gte1011]

Can anyone point me in the right direction on how to flask a Grammatophyllum seed pod? Also, when do I know it is mature enough to remove from the spike and flask?

I took pictures of the pod, so when I get home I will post some pictures!

Thanks!!!

[Royal]

Just do a web search for "sowing orchid seed" or something like that. It's an involved process that will take a bit of research. There is a ton of info on the web. Check Lotte and Thomas and the Orchid Seedbank Project websites.

The only way to know that seed is mature, is to wait until it splits on its own. This can take up to a year, maybe more. It really depends on the variety. Temperate terrestrials will set seed quickly, while some tropicals take their sweet time.

[gixrj18]

If you see the stem start to yellow, and the pod starts looking a little de-hydrated, you can cut it before it opens....and skip all of the seed sterilizing. You have to really watch it, and you still may not catch it before it opens.