The Orchid Garden

Hybridizing.

Question:

I’m considering making a cross and would like to know if I should make a reciprocle cross at the same time.  Also when it comes to flasking should I send the seed pods to one person or send them to 2 different people just incase something happens to one I have another elsewhere. thanks. tim

Response:

I’m considering making a cross and would like to know if I should make a reciprocle cross at the same time.  Also when it comes to flasking should I send the seed pods to one person or send them to 2 different people just incase something happens to one I have another elsewhere. thanks. tim

Hi Tim,     It depends on what you’re crossing.  If you’re crossing two Phals of roughly the same size, making reciprocal crosses might not be a bad idea.  If, however, there is a significant size differential, the smaller flowered plant is generally chosen as the pod parent (the theory is that the pollen tubes of the smaller flower may not make it all the way to the ova in the larger flower). If this is simply a speculative cross as a hobby venture, and not some cross between two very rare plants from which you expect some mega- expensive plants or a species cross being done to preserve a rare species from extinction, then I wouldn’t bother using two labs…one is sufficient.  If for whatever reason it fails, you can always try again with something else. — Prem – Animator, programmer, and orchid and fossil nut extraordinaire… – DNRC Title: Minister of Lightwave 3d Plugin Design Foolishness – Home – http://www.PremDesign.com "We in our foolishness thought we were wise He played the fool and He opened our eyes We in our weakness believed we were strong He became nothing to show we were wrong." "God’s Own Fool" – Michael Card

Response:

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