c. warscewiczii seed pods opinions

[DebsC]

My c. warscewiczii bloomed in June. It's the semi-alba form and this was it's first blooming. It was hanging in a tree close to the greenhouse with a couple of other wars. that were bigger but didn't bloom this year.

This seedling was loaded with flowers! I was amazed with it. The pictures I got were lost when my computer crashed, naturally.

Okay, I discovered 4 seed pods on this plant. Nothing else was blooming so it has to be a selfing, right? I'm undecided as to what to do with these pods?

I thought possibly they would just go away and I wouldn't have to decide but no, they are growing and healthy and so is the plant.

The plant also tested virus free earlier in this year.

I've never had anything flasked and am kind of excited at the prospect. On the other hand, what would I do with so many plants? There's 4 pods!! Would my greenhouse be swallowed up with all these plants?

How much would it cost? Is it worth it?

Any opinions?

[Anisa]

You could sell seedlings. I will take one or two. I dont know much about flasking. I always thought it is something i wouls like to try when my condition allow it. I know it would take forever but it would be exciting to grow orchid from seed to bloom. Good luck on whatever you decide.

[jrodpad]

Hey Debs,

I can't answer your questions - but congrats on the seed pods, that's amazing. If you go through with it and get a lab to germinate the seeds, I'll buy a couple of the seedlings too! Who knows, you could be an OB seedling maven.

I've always wanted to be a maven.

Good luck.

- J

[Royal]

Hey Deb,

Four capsules is a lot. You may think about removing one or two for the good of the plant. It may be fine with four, but it will sap energy from the mother plant. One or two capsules should give you plenty of seed.

If you could get a pic of the bloom (last blooming or next) you could get a free flask from Meyers Conservatory. Without a pic they charge but the fee isn't bad. There are a few other commercial seed sowing labs with varying price structures.

[DebsC]

Anisa, the length of time involved in this is something I'm considering. It's a long time!! But I think you're right, it would be very exciting.

J, I have to admit I had to look up the definition of 'maven'. lol After doing so, I don't think I qualify. But I'd like to!!!!

Royal, I've been worried about the plant trying to support 4 seed pods. So far, it looks great but it's still hanging outside in the tree. More to it's natural growing conditions.

I've had plants with seed pods before but something always happens to them before they mature. They rot or shrivel up or something. I guess I've been afraid this will happen and figured I might have a better chance to mature at least one out of the four.

But what exactly does one hope to accomplish with a selfing? Won't most of the offspring bloom the same as the mother plant? What are the chances of improving the original flower?

Thanks for your help and opinions!