Starting my very own orchid... maybe...

[rehric00]

Hey everyone. My husband and I were talking today that it would be really cool to start our own orchid (doesn't necessarily have to be a phal). I think it would be awesome to plant whatever you gotta plant to grow an orchid and be completely surprised as to what grows. I am no expert, so I would have no clue what I was planting just by looking at the roots or whatever.

So the big question is, what do you plant to grow a new plant? I know it cannot be as easy as planting a seed, hahaha. So, what would I have to do to grow my own stuff? And where would I get the "stuff" to do it? I wish there was a place that sold "mystery" orchids that were a total surprise.

Thanks everyone.

[prc11]

Well you can sow your own seeds, this is commonly called flasking. It is a way of crossing orchids easily, but it requires patients. You also need a completely clean environment, because if one bacteria gets in to the flask the seed grows in you have to throw it out. Depending on the orchids seeds you sow it takes about 6 years. However there are many other methods. I like to use back bulbs to produce new plants. There are many ways of doing this and it is as simple as cutting a pseudo bulb from the end of a plant and putting it in water or sprag moss. You have to wait sometime for it to mature and flower, but it is much easier. I would keep doing reseach because everyone has there own ways.

[BobInBonita]

Are you more interested in the mystery and surprise OR in the challenge of growing from seed (or nearly seed)?

Before you answer that, what is your background? Do you have a few orchids already? If so, what kind?

If you mainly want mystery, and you have some experience with_______ (fill in the blank with whatever), then why not get another (same thing) that is not in bloom or spike and grow it. You won't have a clue what it looks like from the name on the tag. It will be easier to grow a variety that you have experience with.

If you want the challenge, unless you are somewhat experienced, slightly masochistic and very patient, I would recommend against it. From seed it is technically difficult for experienced growers with specialized equipment ( and takes many years). Even from a flask it is a long and difficult process. If you really think you want to try, then check the propagation threads on this site. There is a wealth of information.

[rehric00]

Yeah I am brand new to growing. I have 4 phals right now, 2 are not in bloom, but I know what they look like. Where can you get plants that are not in bloom? I know around here the only places that sell orchids are the grocery stores and Lowe's, and they all only sell orchids in bloom. I would love to look a website that I could order from, I just haven't found one yet. Thanks!

[prc11]

I get almost all my common orchids on the clearance racks at stores. They are almost always out of bloom, and I get them cheap.

[BobInBonita]

There's a sticky on the advanced forum with orchid nurseries. Unfortunately they'll have pictures so even though you get one NBS (near blooming size), you'll have an idea what it will look like.

They occasionally have specials where they will send you several "dealer selections".

I agree with PRC about watching at the stores you usually shop. If an orchid hasn't sold and has finished blooming, it is almost always 50% off.

Just be careful and look at the roots before you buy. I have gotten great deals, that really weren't. The roots were rotten.