Are Lady slipper orchids self fertile, and how can you pollinate them?

Question

I am trying to get seeds from a certain orchid (Lady slipper) I have. Are they self fertile? What would be the best way to pollinate them?
The genus is Cypripedium

score 2 · Accepted Answer · answered Jan 09 '12 at 02:23

2

Yes, most Cypripedium are self-fertile, but pollination is tricky and requires special equipment. Germinating and growing is also a long and slow process. Probably starting new plants from divisions or buying new ones would be more satisfactory.

answered Jan 09 '12 at 02:23

J. Musser

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Thank you, the success of the process is what satisfy me :-) Any way, after some of my flowers fell, I see the fruit is staying (2 out of 10) does it mean it was pollinated, or just a chance? – Itay Moav -Malimovka Jan 09 '12 at 13:52
If the fruit is staying, then there was pollination. – J. Musser Jan 10 '12 at 02:07

Are Lady slipper orchids self fertile, and how can you pollinate them?

1 Answers1