seed germination in nature

[Aleksa]

I'm looking these flasks and equipment, an I can see that some big setup is needed. I wanted to ask you how is germination of the orchid seed in nature possible? I mean, in nature, there are a lot of aggressive things around, like fungi, bacteria etc... Conditions are not sterile like in flask. How is then possible germination of such small and vulnerable seed?

[Tobi]

Orchid seed capsules can take from 6 months to a year to mature. each capsule can
contain as many a 10,000 to 100,000 or more seeds. In nature, orchid seeds only have
a minute reserve of nutrients and thus need a fungus to provide the required nutrients
for germination. This necessary relationship between seed and mycelia from the fungus
is called "symbiotic" germination. Of the thousands and thousands of seeds, only a small
percentage survive the environmental conditions and germinate.
In Laboratories "asymbiotic germination" was introduced in the early 1920's. Here seeds
are grown on a sterile, jelly like culture medium that contains certain sugars and other
nutrients thus providing germination without the need for the fungus. The draw back
and why conditions have to be more sterile under this method is that the addition of
a sugar rich medium will grow many unwanted bacteria and fungi faster than the orchid
seeds and seedlings. Thus a sterile environment is very critical for "in vitro" (in glass)
type germination to be successful.

[Aleksa]

Aha... I understand... I suppose that it is almost impossible to grow orchid from seed in home conditions...

Great coincidence is needed obviosly, because seed need to get on the bark of some tree, and it also requires presence of fungus... Sounds like interesting process.

[Orchidflowerchild]

In the past, a big part of why orchids were so expensive was the difficulty of seed germination. A seed capsule would be scattered at the base of the parent plant and if you had a compatible fungus int he pot, a few might develop a symbiosis. THus, you could either have the plants imported from the tropics at great expense or purchase what could be one of two or three seedlings from a cross.

The asymbiotic germination methods have revolutionized orchid breeding. Clonal propagation has also revolutionized the face of the hobby, making the most rare and highly awarded plants available to the average hobbyist.

Viva la scientific advancement!

-Cj

[patticake]

This is great- I love propagating anything from seed. The more challenging the better. I'm going to do a lot more reseach first, but can't wait to raise some orchids from seed.

[digitalgate]

try cross your own orchids. Harvest the seed pot and start germinating away!!!!!
my first one end up growing mold.

[patticake]

Lol! I've grown plenty of that over the years!
Have you had any success after that without doing flasks? I've ordered some books, and am looking forward to trying all methods! I LOVE this stuff!

[Orchid B me]

If you like I have an easy and cheap way of germinating seed at home in the kitchen with all supplys available at your local store. its not as diff as one would think. no fancy equip. no ordering agar online. really just a no noncence flasking method. and if you end up with contamination on a few jars o well keep trying because all it costs is a little of your time to try again( providing you have seed)

In the wild there is a mycrozial fungus that produces suggars and that is what the seed needs to germ and fuel it until it can produce its own clorphil

[solay]

Orchid B Me, that sounds interesting. I think most of us would like to know your method of germination at home. Please post. Thanks.

[tclover]

Key word of germinating orchid is sterilization. When you understand how to sterilize medium and environment you can germinate most orchid seeds like you sow flower seeds in soil. Google "Lotte & Thomas orchids"; it shows you how to sow orchid seeds in vitro and in natural.