Amy Checks Flasks

Amy Checks the Shaker

Propogation and Cloning Lab

Propogaption and Cloning Lab

New orchid plants are produced in 3 ways: by cuttings, by seed, and by micropropagation (typically called cloning).

Orchids are very different from most other plants and flowers.  Dendrobium seeds are smaller than the period at the end of this sentence.  A seed pod may contain over 1 million seeds!  (see the world's smallest seed here)

Most orchid plants are produced by cuttings or cloning, which is essentially producing microscopic cuttings.  These cuttings, either macro or micro, are genetically identical to the "parent" plant.

Using either method, it typically takes dendrobium orchids up to 18 months to produce mature flowering stems from the time of creation.  Micropropagation (cloning) can produce 5,000 to 10,000 genetically identical plants, but the process can take up to 2 years, plus waiting another 18 months for maturity.

Micropropagation requires sterile conditions.  The work is done in sterile cabinets.  The baby plants are grown inside sterile bottles with a sterile culture medium.

Orchids produced from seeds are even harder.  While orchids are relatively easy to pollenate, orchid seeds can take up to a year to germinate.  Since they are microscopic, they must also be handled in a laboratory.  They also need sterile conditions for proper development.  And, like microscopic cloning, it can take up to 36 months to go from seed pod to mature flowering plant.

Dendrobium in Flask

Flasks on Shelves

Initial Stage in Flask

Vanda in Flask

Lab Technicians

Lab Technicians

Orchid Seedlings in Flasks in Our Propogation Lab

Orchid Seedlings Recently Added to the Farm

Lab Flasks

Lab Shelves