Pollen storage and viability

[Greenman]

For how long does orchid pollen remain viable if it can't be used right away? I want to make a cross but one of the potential parents is taking its own sweet time to bloom.

[Tindomul]

I don't know and would like to find out myself.

[Frdemetr]

I have used this method: the pollinia are wrapped up in soft paper ('kleenex'), with id, and placed in small plastic bottles (I use FDC Vitamins empty bottles), with a silica-gel package inside (to avoid humidity). Then the bottle is placed in the fridge, as far as possible of the freezer. In that conditions the pollinia remain fertile for ~6 months (Stanhopea), or even more (~1 year) in cattleya-alliance orchids. The time of viability is variable from species to species.

[Tindomul]

Thats great info! Thanks.I once stored phal seeds wrapped in aluminum foil in the fridge for about 4 months. Nothing came of it, but only because it I had contamination.

[Greenman]

Thanks.

Just to clarify, they are stored in the coolest part of the ridge or in the freezer?

[Tindomul]

I understood as far away from the freezer as possible. So fridges are coldest near the top next to the freezer.

[Frdemetr]

Tindo "translate" my words in correct english: far away from freezer! Of course if you have a 'duplex' (with separate freezer) you must store jointly with vegetables, in the "not so cool" part!

[Greenman]

Thank you.