Ascocentrum Miniatum

[Mr. Tech]

Does this orchid's roots need pruning?

Because I need some of them to germinate some seeds.

[Mr. Tech]

Oops, I forgot this......

How long can this orchid's seeds be stored in the fridge?

[dgenovese1]

David,
That is a beautiful Asctm. miniatum...and to have it blooming this time of year in the northern hemisphere is quite a feat! Bravo to you!

For Nenella...vandaceous plants (and this is one) are all heavy feeders as well, all year long. Besides plenty of sunshine and water, make sure you fertilize regularly...all mine get fed every week.

For Mr. Tech...most orchid seed can be stored for about 6 months; however they do loose viability the longer they are stored...have you tried germinating in sterile enriched agar? It is readily available in the US, but I'm not sure about it in Hungary.

I hope this helps, David

[Mr. Tech]

Hello there!

My seeds had been collected in January.... It seems like it does a matter.

I did some flasking 18 days ago but I see nothing yet.

Flasking is very labor-intensive so I thought that I'll get some Vanda or Ascocentrum roots, sow the seeds onto the roots then wrap the whole thing in some moist sphagnum moss and a wet cloth.

But I couldn't get any roots until now

[dgenovese1]

Mr. Tech,
I would not give up on your flask yet...some orchid seed takes several weeks to germinate. The seed has been a while in storage, but I would not give them up yet.

Good luck, David

[Mr. Tech]

I don't give up yet but I have some seeds remaining and I wouldn't like to store them very looooooooong and I'd like to try the root method just for experiment.

Or swap them for another kind of seeds.

[Mr. Tech]

I still got no protocorms.

Should I give up on the flasks?

[dgenovese1]

Hi Mr. tech,
I'd wait at least a month or even two. With your seed as old as it is, they may take longer to germionate. If after 2 months you don't see anything, I'd say that they aren't going to grow.

I hope this helps, David