Pleione seed germination

[Kevin]

Hi Everyone,

So I've finally managed to make a viable seed pod with a couple of Pleione and I'm looking forward to sowing them on the plates which I made this week. The percentage of seeds with embryos is low, but I pressing ahead anyway. I'm going to use the standard complex media but the scientist in me is wondering if it might be worth trying to germinate a small number of seeds as I have done with various Dactylorhiza species, that is to say on a simple oats media and one of the fungal strains I have for the task.

Stupid idea? Good idea? Thoughts? I know it's a long shot, but if it works.......

I look forward to your thoughts.
Kevin

[goofy]

hello Kevin,
I have no experience of sowing  symbiotically the Pleiones,

BUT sowing that way is "NOT simple way".

I think, its a very "natural way",
and as I found out, the seedlings of Dactylorhizas and Anacamptis and Pterostylis
(which I sow) are very vigorous and grow much stronger than asymbiotically.

so its always a try to find out, which will also germinate on B1 and others......

I just sow Spir. australis, and the seeds are of very poor quality,
only about 10% viable seed, 90% empty shells.
BUT I SOW IT.................... and FEWgerminated 

SO GO AHEAD

good luck

[Kevin]

Thanks for your response Goofy,

I take your point about germination with fungus is more "natural". The fact that it's quicker and produces more healthy seedlings for Dactyls is one of the reasons I am going to try it with Pleione seeds.

Just to clarfiy.....when I said ..."on a simple media..." I meant in the scientific sense. The media is not complex- it is simple meaning it contains only three components (the way I make it).

I'll report back and let you know how it goes.
Regards,
Kevin

[Alex]

I don't know if this helps you, but I went on a seed sowing workshop a few months ago and a little later asked the organiser specifically about Pleiones (the main focus was Dacts. etc.) - here is part of the reply:

Pleiones are easy. they respond to "tropical" media, so I'd recommend you try Thompson, Knudsen C or full strength Phytamax. Sucrose concentration can be 20g/l or higher. Sow the seed as soon as the capsule dehisces (late autumn usually) and keep the flasks cool (shady place in an unheated greenhouse or refrigerator) over the winter. The seed will germinate in the light so no need for dark cupboards! Replate at a similar density to the hardys ...grow on over the summer. By the following autumn small bulbs will have formed and the foliage will have died down. Wean into a fine Pleione mix with a nice mossy top.

Alex

[Guus]

I can ADD the following: there is no need to make complex media for ducts, tropical and Pleiones. I did several sowings on a simple medium with ordinary plantfeeding from the supermarket, sugar, agar and fruitjuice! Germination always good.....

[Slug Killer]

Hi Kevin, if you have not seen it already then there is a section on my website about growing Pleione from seed which may be some help. If you need any of the media I use then please get in touch as I'm sure I can spare some for free but unlike what it says on the website I am now using the agar included mix and sowing on full strength as it makes no difference. Also if you want some extra seed to practice on and you are not to fussy what Pleione it is then there will be some available. Either send me a PM or get in touch via info@koolplants.co.uk

I find that Pleione do better straight in to light in a warm environment and they do not need a cold rest period. Sowing is done as soon as the pod is ready although I wait until there are several pods to be done at the same time. This way I usually get an extended first year in flask before they die back allowing some extra growth which helps considerably if you are going to deflask after one seasons growth. You may however wish to reflask again and keep in a cold environment the following winter. Those which I think are too small after one years growth get put in a cupboard in my unheated but frost free garage.

[Kevin]

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts / suggestions / experiences. It's all very helpful for a seed sowing newbie.

Slugkiller, thanks for the link to your website. I have seen and read your helpful site a few times. I will PM you.

Again, thanks.
Kevin

[Slug Killer]

If you decide to grow under lights then the LED option is pretty cheap as they don't use much power and more importantly if in a cupboard don't generate much heat. Also if you are on economy 7 electric then have them coming on during the night when its cheaper.

[Kevin]

Hi there,

I grow most of my orchids under lights at the moment but it's my old fluorescent bulb set up. I should really get around to changing to an LED system (and save a lot of money). 

K