Quck answer
Growing orchids from seeds can be a rewarding and challenging process. Here are the basic steps to get you started:
1. Obtain fresh orchid seeds from a reputable source.
2. Sterilize all equipment and growing media to prevent contamination.
3. Prepare a suitable growing medium, such as a mixture of sphagnum moss and perlite.
4. Sow the seeds onto the surface of the growing medium.
5. Cover the container with a clear lid to create a humid environment.
6. Place the container in a warm and well-lit area, but avoid direct sunlight.
7. Monitor the moisture levels and mist the seeds regularly.
8. Be patient, as orchid seeds can take several weeks or even months to germinate.
9. Once the seedlings have grown, transfer them to individual pots.
10. Continue to provide proper care and attention to help your orchids thrive.
Cultivating orchids (family Orchidaceae) from seed is quite difficult because the seeds lack stored nutrients necessary for successful germination and growth. To cultivate orchids from seeds, the home gardener must first create a solution that contains the essential nutrients for the orchid seed to develop.
Orchid seeds cannot thrive in regular potting soil like other plants, even in optimal climates. Propagating from seed requires patience and a basic understanding of how orchid seeds germinate to produce beautiful, blooming orchid plants.
Initiate Seed Germination
Step 1: Sterilize the Flasks
Fill a large stockpot with water and place it on the stovetop to boil. Using tongs, immerse two clear, glass flasks into the boiling water. Sterilizing the glass flasks in boiling water creates an environment that discourages the growth of pathogenic bacteria and fungi.
Step 2: Add the Agar
Remove the glass flasks from the boiling water using tongs and set them on a clean towel to dry. Insert a funnel into one of the glass flasks and pour nutrient-rich agar into it. This agar contains specific nutrients formulated for orchids, which can be purchased online. Pour a 1/2-inch layer of agar into the bottom of the flask, enough to coat the bottom without splashing onto the sides.
Step 3: Soak the Seeds in Water
Pour a 1-inch layer of distilled water into the other sterilized glass flask. Place all the orchid seeds into the distilled water.
Step 4: Retrieve the Seeds
Squeeze an eyedropper and submerge it into the flask containing the orchid seeds. Release the bulb of the eyedropper, allowing the water and orchid seeds to enter. Remove the eyedropper from the distilled water flask and insert it into the flask containing the sterilized agar.
Step 5: Scatter the Seeds onto the Agar
Hold the eyedropper over the agar solution and squeeze the bulb until the orchid seeds are scattered on top of the sterilized agar.
Step 6: Expose to Light
Seal the top of the flask containing the orchid seeds with a cotton or foam flask stopper. Place the glass flask in a dimly lit area or under artificial grow lights, depending on the species. Set the timer on the grow lights to provide at least 14 hours of light daily until the orchid seeds germinate. The germination process can take anywhere from a few months to a few years, depending on the orchid seed variety.
Step 7: Monitor Root Growth
Inspect the roots of the growing orchid plants in the flask. Gently remove the orchid plant from the agar when the roots are at least 1/4-inch long. Use long tweezers to carefully extract the orchids from the agar, and rinse any remaining agar from the orchid roots with clean water.
Plant the Orchid Seedling
Step 1: Add the Bark
Place a layer of fir bark chunks in a container with a diameter of 2 to 3 inches. If fir bark chunks are not available, many garden centers offer potting mixes specifically designed for orchids. Alternatively, you can create your own orchid mix.
Step 2: Pot the Orchid
Position the orchid plant on top of the fir bark chunks, spreading the roots around the plant. Continue filling the pot and surrounding the orchid plant with fir bark chunks until the container is full.
Step 3: Ensure Adequate Lighting
Place the orchid container in an indoor area with filtered light or full sun, depending on the type of orchid. If using artificial grow lights, keep them on for at least 12 hours a day.
Step 4: Properly Water the New Orchid
Water the orchid plant once a week until the fir bark chunks are completely soaked. Only water the orchid when the fir bark is dry.
Step 5: Apply Fertilizer to the Orchid
Use orchid fertilizer as directed on the packaging. Alternatively, dilute a 20-20-20 liquid fertilizer with water to a quarter or half strength and apply it weekly or biweekly. Always water your orchids before and after fertilizing.
Step 6: Repot When Necessary
Transplant the orchids into slightly larger containers every 12 to 18 months or when you notice roots above the soil surface. With proper care, your orchid should start blooming within two to ten years, depending on the species.
