Phal Seed Pod

[kinknstein]

Hi
I pollinated one of my NOID Phals at the beginning of October. It has developed a fair sized seed pod now almost three months along. I have a couple of questions though. First, how long does the seed pod need to stay on the mother plant for? I have heard six months previously but am not too sure. Secondly, we are in the midst of the big freeze right now, about -25 deg Celsius, would you think it safe to transport the mother plant home at this time? I am on xmas vacation for the next two weeks, so I do not want to leave her alone for two weeks with no watering. Very often I do purchase new plants in this type of weather and the greenhouses will typically just wrap the plant in paper wrap and then put a plastic bag over that. Do you think that should protect the pod?

[jrhennek]

The Phals that I have crossed the pods were left on for 6 months. The closer to a dry pod you have the better the germination you should have. As far as transporting you plant, If you are driving there should be know problem. We have our annual orchid show in late January and I remember one year that it was -35F for the high temp. Know plants or buds were lost. You just need to make sure your vehicle is warm and ready to go before you bring your plant to it. Also this time of year in the north (of course south of you) if your plants are kept on the cooler side 70F day 60F night you can go 2 weeks without watering. Hope this info helps you.

Jayme

[Ray]

Orchid seed capsule (not pod) maturation time is related to genetics, growing conditions, and overall health of the plant. There is no strict timetable for them, just guidelines.

As Jayme stated, the more mature the better, and I find that keeping a close eye on them and looking for the first signs of yellowing at either end is a good guideline as to when to harvest them.

A plant has a great deal "invested" in a seed capsule, so will be far less frivolous about "blasting" them than it will be with flower buds. As Jayme also said, minimizing the exposure of the plant to temperature extremes is the key. A mad dash from a warm building to a warm car with the plant properly protected will be fine.

[kinknstein]

Thanks Jayme and Ray. Appreciate the advice, brought the phal hme on weds and everything seems to have come through just fine. Thanks again