From the ground up.

[Slick]

Just starting to get into growing orchids. Such amazing plants!

I read on old Wikipedia that the seeds of orchids are small and have no endosperm, and in the wild they germinate only with assistance from an appropriate fungal friend.

I have seen wild orchids (pink nodding orchids, I think?) sprouting in garden mulch. But there appear to be a few different fungi there. It is hard to tell who is friend or foe.

Has anyone done any research into cultivating friendly fungus, as a pre-cursor to orchid culture? What fungi species are suitable?

I do have several types of mushrooms, slime moulds etc that grow in pots alongside other plants. Which one should I encourage to take hold in a medium before adding orchid seeds.

[1joyceh]

Hi Slick!
Welcome to the forum
There are many products on the market now, commonly called 'beneficials', the most common, mycorrhiza is the most popular. It forms a symbiotic relationship with the roots, kind of cleaning (by eating) the 'bad' stuff that lives on the roots.
If you start with a web search of mycorrhiza, you will find much more information about the what and why it is a good thing.
I do give my orchids a 'beverage' periodically of beneficials, and the roots do look better after. One thing to note, however, city water, which contains chlorine, kills the beneficials, so if you have that, would not recommend using.
This is basic information....
I am sure the more experienced growers will come along and give more information on the subject

[Slick]

Wow, amazing. I looked up mycorrhiza, a real eye opener. Thanks!

[orchids4me]

Originally Posted by 1joyceh

Hi Slick!
Welcome to the forum
There are many products on the market now, commonly called 'beneficials', the most common, mycorrhiza is the most popular. It forms a symbiotic relationship with the roots, kind of cleaning (by eating) the 'bad' stuff that lives on the roots.
If you start with a web search of mycorrhiza, you will find much more information about the what and why it is a good thing.
I do give my orchids a 'beverage' periodically of beneficials, and the roots do look better after. One thing to note, however, city water, which contains chlorine, kills the beneficials, so if you have that, would not recommend using.
This is basic information....
I am sure the more experienced growers will come along and give more information on the subject

Where are you finding the product joyce ? Store or online?

[orchids4me]

Slick, welcome to the forum
Are you planning on trying your hand at flasking ?
There are places to buy equiptment and media needed, or places that will do it for you. How long have you been growing orchids ??

[terra_australis]

Different genera or even species may require a specific mycorrhizal (did I spell that right? ) sybiont for germination. If you are interested in learning about mycorrhiza in relation to terrestrial orchids (I assume that is what your pink nodding orchids may be...) I can point you to some further resources.

[Slick]

I would appreciate it, thanks Dan. That is just the kind of info I'd like.

[Slick]

I would appreciate it, thanks Terra australis. That is just the kind of info I'd like.

[Slick]

Orchids4me,
Yeah I have considered flasking. There are places that do it for you? And places to buy the gear? That is good to know.
I grew up on an orchard, and there were orchids around the place, both wild and a few cymbidiums, dendrobiums and cattleyas in pots around and about. As a kid I used to pluck off keikis, and pop them in different spots. Which is my first experience with orchids. My main thing is bonsais, and I do like to establish epiphytes on them. Mostly tillandsias, but I have recently started using dendrobium kingianum, and epidendrums? (crucifix orchid).
Crossing different plants has always intrigued me, hippeastrums and mangoes especially. And after reading about orchids, and the diversity of them, and the fact that they can hybridise between different genera, wow, just had to check it out.
I have a dendrobium with a pod on it, and it looks good to go. So I'm trying to set something up to germinate the seeds.
I have to say this site is invaluable, a lot of good info from people with genuine experience.

[orchids4me]

Originally Posted by Slick

Orchids4me,
Yeah I have considered flasking. There are places that do it for you? And places to buy the gear? That is good to know.
I grew up on an orchard, and there were orchids around the place, both wild and a few cymbidiums, dendrobiums and cattleyas in pots around and about. As a kid I used to pluck off keikis, and pop them in different spots. Which is my first experience with orchids. My main thing is bonsais, and I do like to establish epiphytes on them. Mostly tillandsias, but I have recently started using dendrobium kingianum, and epidendrums? (crucifix orchid).
Crossing different plants has always intrigued me, hippeastrums and mangoes especially. And after reading about orchids, and the diversity of them, and the fact that they can hybridise between different genera, wow, just had to check it out.
I have a dendrobium with a pod on it, and it looks good to go. So I'm trying to set something up to germinate the seeds.
I have to say this site is invaluable, a lot of good info from people with genuine experience.

For supplies
Check out orchid seed bank project Aaron Hicks site he makes pre measured media for flasking and has some books available on how to and some equiptment.

And phytotech technologies site has a lot of equiptment for this type of project.
(Its were I get my flasking supplies)

[1joyceh]

Emmaye, most hydroponic stores carry the products, can either get at a store or order on line