hand pollination - Orchid Board

daniel · #1 11-15-2010, 05:27 PM

i need help on hand pollination of a oncidium (papiliox)
i have tried and did not work the flowers fell off after 14 days what when wrong ?
when is the best time to hand pollination the flowers

Tindomul · #2 11-15-2010, 07:47 PM

Interesting. I don't know anything about this species. But if you are placing the pollinia in the right place, perhaps the flower will not accept its own pollen. Perhaps it needs pollen from another plant? Just a wild guess.

Duane McDowell · #3 11-15-2010, 07:58 PM

Tindomul,
You're right on. Many orchids are self-sterile.
Daniel,
Some hybrids are largely or completely sterile. Young plants or plants that are poorly established are frequently impossible to set seed on. Grow the plant as strong and big as possible before giving up on it. The Psychopsis (Onc. papilio group) will grow on the dry side, but they won't grow optimally. They really like to be kept pretty moist when they're in active growth. The growths should be firm, plump and shiny. If they aren't (or if the newest growth isn't), it may be drought stress that caused the flower to drop without forming a seed pod.

Royal · #4 11-16-2010, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daniel

when is the best time to hand pollination the flowers

The best time is when the flowers are fresh but fully opened.

Duane's comment about the size/vigor of the plant is very true. Young plants can refuse to set a capsule.

daniel · #5 11-16-2010, 03:33 PM

i have tried this on the 4 day. when the flower open and this was done on the first flower even open on the 2 bud
i have 2 bud on this plant.so this must be done on the first day that flower has open and must be better in the morning ?.the life of the flower on this plant last about 1 month and rest one month and a other flower again

Royal · #6 11-17-2010, 09:57 AM

If the flowers last for one month, pollinating on day 4 should be just right. You shouldn't need to do it on the first day, except for species with flowers that only last a few days.

Time of day does not matter at all. There are mixed feelings on this topic, and I'm sure someone will disagree with me here, but I stand by this comment. The age of the flower and rediness of the plant is the key.

daniel · #7 11-18-2010, 09:28 PM

what about cattleya the flower last for 2 weeks. when should be done ? the flower just open on wednesday and 2 today

daniel · #8 12-19-2010, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daniel

i need help on hand pollination of a oncidium (papiliox)
i have tried and did not work the flowers fell off after 14 days what when wrong ?
when is the best time to hand pollination the flowers

it work. it finally work on the same Branch. but did it on the first day of the flower yes yes yes