Propagating Eulophia using sphagnum moss

[mertyn]

Hi all,

Have just joined the forum so by way of introduction i'm based in the UK, grow a variety of Oeceoclades, Paphs, Philos, Cattleya and a selection of aroids too.

I've really wanted to try propagation and read that some terrestrial orchids are not quite so challenging so have ordered some Eulophia Petersii seeds. I've read the following instructions but was hoping for some advice on whether this is likely to work or a waste of my time.

Thanks,
Martin

Instructions:

germination instructions Eulophia petersii - orchids:
South african orchids, like Acrolophia, Ansellia, Bonatea, Ceratandra, Disa, Eulophia, Pterygodium, Satyrium, Schizochilus, Stenoglottis, Tridactyle are quite easy to germinate.

Use for sowing Spaghnum moss or aquarium sand. Boil the spaghnum moss for 15 minutes in distilled water so that all spores and fungi are killed. When using aquarium sand this is not required. Then fill the spaghnum moss in plastic pots and press it firmly. Alternatively it can be filled with aquarium sand. Then please sow the tiny orchid seeds on top of the spaghnum moss or the aquarium sand. Do not cover with spaghnum or sand.

Then put the plastic pot in a ziplock bag - with a pot size of 6 cm , a ziplock bag of size 12 x 17 cm is recommended . Fill in the ziplock bag as much destilled water, so that after the absorption of the substrate a few mm of water remain on the bottom. Then close the ziplock bag - Ready!

More watering is not required because no moisture evaporates through the ziplock bag .

Location: on the windowsill or in a small greenhouse in partial shade, daytime temperatures at about 68-77 F. The resulting micro-climate provides ideal conditions for germination.

The germination time for south african orchid seeds is about 40 - 50 days. The orchids will flower in 2 years.