multiplying Dactylorhiza

[mark smyth]

see Ian Dactylorhizas in the Bulb Log shows the difference a few hundred miles make. His are perfect while mine are finished.

Last year, Ian, you told us about multiplying Dactylorhizas by removing the new 'bulb' and replanting the old stem that reacts by forming one or two new 'bulbs'. Is it too early to do so?

[Carlo]

I went back into the archives and read Ian's post and the discussion that followed. Has anyone tried the "new-bulb-removal method" with Calopogon? I've got pink and white C. tuberosus blooming in the bog as we post--and would like to increase both.

The theory should be the same...pop the tuber that is being produced to replace the mother before the mother has exhausted her resources on the same--forcing the mother to produce additional offsets. Timing would be the key. Ian?

I assume that it has to take place after flowering (during seed production?) but well before the plant goes dormant. I'd love to post the method on the website...but will need to prove it up here--and get pictures.

[Maggi Young]

If the flowers are past then you can go ahead, Mark.
 Carlo, sadly we do not have any Calopogon so we haven't experimented with those... so it is over to you to try it out.

[Anders]

Hi Mark

I read your old post on Calopogon division, did you try it, and if yes, what was the result?
By the way, Calopogon is perhaps the most easy orchid (together with Bletilla) to germinate from seed in vitro. Survival outside the flask is also very high, close to 100% for one-year old seedlings (see the picture).

I wouldn't mind trying to germinate some of your white Calopogons for you (and me) if there is any seed left at this time of the year. I will deflask some flasks of the normal red Cal. tuberoses in December, send me a PM if you would be interested in some.

Anders

[Anders]

Ooops, that should have been "Hi Carlo", not "Hi Mark". Sorry.

Anders