Propagation milestone - Thanks to you all!

[RoyalOrchids]

Those of you that know me know that I came to the OB looking for info on seed germination. That was almost two years ago and I've come a long way, due mostly to all of the smart, enthusiastic, encouraging members here on the OB - particularly you here in the propagation forum.

I've been able to set up a cheap, home-made flasking "lab" in my kitchen using no specialized equipment. I've been able to successfully germinate several species and recently deflasked my own first few batches. The time has flown by (as it does that when you are having fun), and so many of you have contributed to my progress. I've come a long way in a short time and in a small town with virtually no other help. Here's how it all panned out.

I'm really a native orchid nut with a tropical orchid hobby. I wanted to do something for our natives here so I began researching propagation. To learn the process and practice my technique, I started with some seed from OSP - Enc. tampensis. They came up well and I was hooked. I started selfing every species that bloomed just to get the seed. I began trading and sharing with OB members all of the country and one in Canada. I soon realized that the ability to germinate seed leads me to the possibility of making and growing out my own crosses. Inspired by another OM member, I began dabbling in hybridizing. Now I'm trading (and mooching) pollen instead of seed.

To date, I've made 8 or 9 potential new crosses and have the first 2 or 3 in flask already. I'm really excited about the possibilities. Thinking about plants from a breeding perspective instead of just a collection standpoint has really increased the overall quality and variety of my collection. I now look for plants with breeding potential instead of just a small price tag. I feel more deliberate in my progress and more intimately connected with my orchids. I just wanted to send a heart-felt thank you to all that have helped me along my way. I could not have done it without this great forum, or its great members.

[cb977]

Royal, I'm happy to hear of your success!

Congrats!

[camille1585]

You've sure come a long way since joining OB, because now we're the ones picking your brain when there are flasking related questions! It's funny, I remember exactly what day you joined OB, because you joined on my birthday! I wish you much luck with all your new crosses. I hope you have a lot of free space for all these new orchids you're making!

[Jerry Delaney]

Way to go Royal!!! All too soon will come that second learning step now that you have mastered the first. That is you learn that thosesmallseedlings grow into large plants !!

[Leisurely]

I admire your interest and your success Royal. Congratulations.

[Ben Belton]

Hey excellent! I've been learning how to do orchid lab work for about a year now and I enjoy it and have had good success, but it takes so much time.

Good luck with your natives. Are you a member of the North American Native Alliance or whatever its called?

[RoyalOrchids]

I wish I knew how to do the multiple quote thing.

Sue, you are always so encouraging (and enabling). :blowkiss:

Camille, you too. It is so neat to have an orchid friend in the Netherlands.

Jerry D, I've not mastered anything! But you're right about planning on growing out all these seedlings. An obsessed orchid junkie's work is never done.

Jerry (Leisurely), What can I say? I'm an obsessed orchid junkie.

Ben, You are totally right about the time. It is especially tough when you have to set up your lab in stead of just walking into it. I'm not a member of that organization, but I'm somewhat aware of it. I have enough memberships to keep up with at the moment. You've helped me along too, Ben. Thanks.

[DebsC]

Royal, I'm so proud of you!!! I wish you continued success with your endeavors!! And keep us all posted.

[Gin]

Congrats. ! and in all your flasking endeavors . Gin

[Des]

Well done and good luck Royal