How to Pollinate Orchids
Orchid propagation is big business. Orchids are found in most areas of the world from high alpine zones to desert flats. The flowers are in such high demand for their beauty and uniqueness that they are in threat of being over harvested in the wild. Cultivated propagation is one answer to the problem. Orchid growers are masters at orchid reproduction and hybridization. They hand pollinate the flowers to produce seed. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Vanilla is an economically important orchid species. Wipe a hooked dental tool or a toothpick with alcohol so it is sterile. The tools will be used to manipulate the tiny orchid parts for pollination. Pollination is best attempted four days after the flower has opened in the morning.
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Orchids only have a single stamen attached to a pistil which you can see at the center of the flower. View the flower with the lip at the lower part of the bloom. This will help you orient where the parts are located. Just above the lip at the center of the flower is a protruding portion. This is the stigma. It has a cap on it that needs to be removed prior to inserting the pollen. Use a magnifying glass if necessary on some of the smaller orchid species. The flower's reproductive parts are tiny and the magnifying glass will help you to see what you are doing.
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The top portion of this picture houses the pollinium. Dip the end of the hook just under the cap and pull it off. Push the end of a toothpick behind the stigma where the pollinium is. The pollinium is a two-pronged organ that holds packets of pollen on each prong. Gently wiggle the toothpick and then slowly pull it out, holding the golden yellow pollen.
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The area in which you will be working is the red portion of this flower. Insert the end of the toothpick with the pollen on it into the front of the stigma. Use an under and then up motion to pull off the pollen. The pollinium catches on the inner edge of the stigma where it will move to the ovary. The procedure should only take a minute, but needs to be done delicately and slowly so you don't damage the flower.
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Orchids have a symbiotic relationship with a soil fungus that helps them accomplish germination. Cover the flower with bug netting after pollinating it to protect it from insects. Their investigative forays into the flower may damage the developing embryo and later damage the seedpod.
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Tips & Warnings
Always disinfect the tools between pollinating orchids to prevent cross pollination.
References
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