QuestionI have a dendrobium plant that has developed a seed pod and would be interested in attempting to grow plants from these seeds. Read your response to a previous inquiry and I want to have additional detailed info as to how to grow seeds in the sterile environment and where I can obtain the necessary supplies.
AnswerThanks for your question Ted. The topic you inquired about is too involved to provide the entire set of procedures here. However, I recommend a book by the late Rebecca Tyson Northen titled "Home Orchid Growing". It has an excellent index and you can find most of what you want under the topic "Seed sowing". While she provides information on preparing your own sterile culture, these can be purchased commercially already prepared. As a general medium for orchid culture, I recommend Knudsen C Modified Orchid Medium. If you Google "Knudsen C" you will be able to find an online source for this. It will come as a powder and you will need to add water and sterilize in flasks or other growing containers. They should be stoppered and set aside for a week before use to be sure you didn't introduce any contaminants such as bacterial or mold spores. Hope you find this helpful. As you move forward and have more specific questions, feel free to ask.
