Hello from San Antonio

[Vincent]

Hi - I've been growing orchids for several years. In experiencing success and failure with a number of different genera, I developed a broad fascination with orchids, but have narrowed the main focus of it down to only a few Cattleya and Phalaenopsis species and the occasional irresistible hybrid. At the very center of my orchid obsession is Cattleya walkeriana.

I'm glad this forum has an active orchid flasking and seed germination section. I've been researching in preparation for my first shot at seed propagation. I have some pollen saved from one selected plant for another. The intended pod parent is currently in bud.

[Ellen]

Hello Vincent - Welcome to the forum. Pollination of catt and phal species is actually pretty easy, so the chances of success are good. You may know this already, but if you have seed from orchid species you can have it propagated by Troy Meyers at Meyers Conservatory. Just make sure that you have good photos of at least one parent, and keep good records of pollination dates, etc.

[LLW]

Hi!

I am also fairly new to this forum, but I am enjoying it a lot. I am also in San Antonio. Welcome! Lashelle

[Vincent]

Thanks for the responses. I have read through Troy Meyers' web site and thought I might try a flask on my own and send the rest of the seed to him, provided that I end up with a capsule, of course.

And Lashelle, it's great to run across another San Antonio orchid grower. How did you like our drought this past summer? One thing I learned is that Cattleyas can take some intense heat, such as the record heat we had in August. Mine spend summers outside in wooden baskets hung on tree branches. They're positioned to get direct sunlinght during the morning hours and then shade or dappled shade by mid day. In the fall and winter, if it's warm enough to be outside, they do well with more. In fact, walkerianas enjoy receiving full sun all day at these times of year, even though that's too much for most others.

[LLW]

The drought did bad things to most of my outdoor plants, except the rosemary and lavender who seem to enjoy the adverse weather. I have yet to work up enough courage to put my orchids outside for any length of time so they passed the summer inside in a cozy sunny window. I don't have that many orchids so this works out OK for now. I am adding to my collection at an amazing pace though so I will have to come up with a new plan soon. Lashelle