growing from seed

[condo]

I have it on my mind to grow orchids from seed, is there anyone that can lead me to . a course , online video, book, or other means of learning what I need to know.

I have the space in south lousiana and I want to grow strickly orchids. tons of them.

I have seen videos on you tube of some people doing tissue culture in plastic tub, so I figure I should have some limited success

[epiphyte78]

The Northernmost occurring epiphytic orchid in America is Epidendrum conopseum/magnoliae. It's currently in 3rd place in the Great Epiphyte Race to Canada. But it's definitely the most cold tolerant epiphytic orchid in America.

Epi conopseum isn't the showiest orchid so I would recommend finding and/or making crosses with it. Especially with reed-stem Epidendrums.

Unlike most orchid seeds, the seeds of reed-stems have enough nutrients to germinate on their own. So you can sow the seeds pretty much like you would any succulent with very small seeds (ie Echeverias).

I shared some photos here... Growing Orchids From Seed Is Easy!

[Orchid Whisperer]

Originally Posted by condo

I have it on my mind to grow orchids from seed, is there anyone that can lead me to . a course , online video, book, or other means of learning what I need to know.

I have the space in south lousiana and I want to grow strickly orchids. tons of them.

I have seen videos on you tube of some people doing tissue culture in plastic tub, so I figure I should have some limited success

Hi condo

Getting back on topic, there is a "sticky" post in the propagation forum, title similar to "Very easy sterilisation method". That is a seed growing method that is probably the easiest to implement.

Growing orchids from seed is a very slow process (takes years). You can practice part of the process by buying a flask of orchid seedlings and growing them into mature plants (a web search should reveal many sources for flasks). This can be done while you are growing your own plants from seed.

BtW, be wary about orchid seed offered for sale online. A lot of that is fake.

[condo]

thanks that sounds like what I want to start with is seedlings. I have plenty of space and time. Where would be a good place for me to get good seedlings?

[Orchid Whisperer]

Just do a web search for 'orchid flasks'. There will likely be some links to USA based nurseries that sell plants in flasks.

I have nothing against non-USA producers of orchids in flasks, but there may be permit, phytosanitary certificate, and other issues associated with importing plants.

[jkofferdahl]

Originally Posted by condo

thanks that sounds like what I want to start with is seedlings. I have plenty of space and time. Where would be a good place for me to get good seedlings?

You'll find a number of them with a simple eBay search.