Growing mycoheterotrophic orchids

[Subrosa]

A method for facilitating the seed germination of a mycoheterotrophic orchid, Gastrodia pubilabiata , using decomposed leaf litter harboring a basidiomycete fungus, Mycena sp. | SpringerLink

[Bulbopedilum]

Thanks for sharing!
Related to this, I also found this (other) article a while ago, but I don't think I've shared it here:
Artificial orchid cultivation kit: A new cultivation kit makes it cheap and easy to grow orchids from seed at home. -- ScienceDaily

[DirtyCoconuts]

super cool.... i could not see any instruction for the specifics of the kit. i have a few orchids that are pollenated with enough frequency that i want to try this but i would want a bit more instruction about the kit.

great stuff to start the mind whirling

---------- Post added at 11:08 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:17 AM ----------

i actually have a great opportunity to try this the next time my giant noid catt is knocked up....she is in an old plastic pot with a small palm and an umbrella tree and the bottom is FULL of detritus and a lot of orchid seeds too. once i get this kit dialed in as far as the specifics i will be ready to finally unpot and re-home this catt and ill have plenty of concentrated "food" for this kit.

[Subrosa]

Originally Posted by DirtyCoconuts

super cool.... i could not see any instruction for the specifics of the kit. i have a few orchids that are pollenated with enough frequency that i want to try this but i would want a bit more instruction about the kit.

great stuff to start the mind whirling

---------- Post added at 11:08 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:17 AM ----------

i actually have a great opportunity to try this the next time my giant noid catt is knocked up....she is in an old plastic pot with a small palm and an umbrella tree and the bottom is FULL of detritus and a lot of orchid seeds too. once i get this kit dialed in as far as the specifics i will be ready to finally unpot and re-home this catt and ill have plenty of concentrated "food" for this kit.

Growing autotrophic orchids in decaying leaves and wood is becoming relatively common, but most successes have been with terrestrial species. I'm unaware of anyone successfully growing a Cattleya to flowering size that was germinated by this method. But give it a shot!

[DirtyCoconuts]

well, step one, have a catt, step two no fear of failure

check
check

LOL

[Bulbopedilum]

Originally Posted by Subrosa

Growing autotrophic orchids in decaying leaves and wood is becoming relatively common, but most successes have been with terrestrial species. I'm unaware of anyone successfully growing a Cattleya to flowering size that was germinated by this method. But give it a shot!

Ooh, I'm interested! Some flowers of my recently-acquired Habenaria medusa have somehow been pollinated. A few days ago I sprinkled the contents of one seed pod on some mulch that's been sitting in a damp bucket since a few months ago. I still have 2 seedpods left that are completely dry, I'm just storing them in a little resealable plastic bag.

Let's see what happens! (probably nothing)

[Subrosa]

Originally Posted by Bulbopedilum

Ooh, I'm interested! Some flowers of my recently-acquired Habenaria medusa have somehow been pollinated. A few days ago I sprinkled the contents of one seed pod on some mulch that's been sitting in a damp bucket since a few months ago. I still have 2 seedpods left that are completely dry, I'm just storing them in a little resealable plastic bag.

Let's see what happens! (probably nothing)

Are you on Facebook Saka?
Cardboard Orchids Sowing Group Public Group | Facebook

[Bulbopedilum]

Originally Posted by Subrosa

Are you on Facebook Saka?
Cardboard Orchids Sowing Group Public Group | Facebook

Unfortunately not, though I have heard of orchid seeds being sown on cardboard. Is any special preparation needed, or do I just need cardboard? Might have some lying around. Also, contrary to the name, the group is listed as a private group, which is funny.

[Subrosa]

Originally Posted by Bulbopedilum

Unfortunately not, though I have heard of orchid seeds being sown on cardboard. Is any special preparation needed, or do I just need cardboard? Might have some lying around. Also, contrary to the name, the group is listed as a private group, which is funny.

The only preparation required is to soak the cardboard for a few days in rainwater, although adding a bit of soil from the root zone of orchids isn't a bad idea. If you ever do get on FB let me know and I'll send you an invite to get you in the group.

[neophyte]

Subrosa, just curious, why does the cardboard need to be soaked in rainwater? Would tap water work, too?