Zeuxine strateumatica (soldier's orchid) propagation?

[WeWerePirates]

Hey all,
I was wondering if anyone has grown Zeuxine strateumatica (soldier's orchid) from seed. These little plants are great. Anyhow, I found a couple this year and successfully transplanted them to a pot. They have gone to seed. I have allowed some of the seed to spill out into the pot, but I also collected some.

I have flasked a couple other species, but I wasn't sure if these need the same conditions and media or if they have special requirements.

I have a couple photos of the plant in my gallery.

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...hp?albumid=482

John

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

The seeds that have fallen near the adult plant may germinate if they were viable.

The roots may contain the mycorrhizae needed for them to germinate and may still be present amongst the soil in the pot.

As for in-vitro seed germination techniques I have no idea. There might be some information about it in a book by Rasmussen called "From Seed to Mycotrophic Plant".

[Royal]

There are some decent terrestrial media out there but they vary greatly. I would try some of whatever you have, but make a few batches at different concentrations.

Propagation is a good conservation tool, but not if you dig up plants that you find growing wild. I sincerely hope that you reconsider transplanting (collecting) any other wild orchids in the future - even the "common" ones.

[WeWerePirates]

Thanks for the info. I will give it a try and let you know how it turns out.

While I agree about not collecting wild orchids (or other plants/animals), I also consider the specific situation. In my case it was lawnmower or pot. I figured at least in the pot, it had a chance.

John

[Royal]

Originally Posted by WeWerePirates

While I agree about not collecting wild orchids (or other plants/animals), I also consider the specific situation. In my case it was lawnmower or pot. I figured at least in the pot, it had a chance.

I understand. I totally agree that there are cases where ex situ conservation is needed. In these cases, it's probably a good idea to make that known so orchid newbies don't get the idea that it's ok to just dig up any plant they find. Just so nobody gets the wrong idea.

My brother worked for a landscaping company and found Spiranthes all the time. He came to me to ask if he should "save" them from the lawnmower. I told him that it's flowering in an area that gets mowed, it obviously grew up in an area that is mowed. If it's going to be mowed, harvest the seed and leave the plant to flower again. If it's going to be paved, then dig it up. Just my personal philosophy.