Homemade in the kitchen orchid seed growing medium

In my first year of growing orchids about 10+ years ago, I studied the ingredients of the original "Knudsen Formula C" orchid seed growing medium and found that I already had all these ingredients in my kitchen. I did not need a Scientific Laboratory environment to make this medium. I decided to experiment with it and had great success growing Phalaenopsis & Cattleya Hybrid Orchids. Within 12-16 months I had hundreds of seedlings, of which I gave most of them away, however, I never tried growing any other species, so I do not know if this works on any other orchid seed, but it should because it is a basic mixture of the original. Just though this might be of some interest to someone who likes to experiment with orchids.

My own concoction!

2 cups distilled water
6-8 teaspoons regular grain sugar
8 packs 7 gm. unflavored jello - gelatin (Agar)
1/4 teaspoon 20-20-20 orchid food (Fertilizer)

Prepare for flasking with normal procedures, makes 6-8 flasks or jars with 1 inch deep medium.

 

I didn't know there was a difference in what they make Jell-O out of, but thanks for the info. Like I said I only used this mixture on Phalaenopsis & Cattleya because at that time, that is all I was interested in. If you have any seed of other orchid species you might want to experiment with some of the seed, can't hurt and will not loose anything but time & effort. If you have any questions or problems about preparing the medium, let me know, I'll be glad to help. Thanks for your reply!

 

Hello Antonio, I guess it doesn't really matter what kind of bottle or jar that you use, some growers even use different size test-tubes to sow seed. It does not need to be a actual flask like they use in laboratories, as long as it is made out of glass. Personally, I like to use 8oz. tall, empty of course, coffee jars. I fill them up to at least 1 inch or little more, doesn't really matter, this way after sowing seed and the lid is on tight, there is plenty of oxygen inside for 12-16 months, make sure you take the cardboard out of the jar lid before you use it to avoid contamination. I boil the jars and the agar for 30 minutes in a large pot on top of stove, with lids loose on jar, after boiling I tighten the lids. I let the home made medium harden at room temperature, then I wait 8 days before sowing seed to make sure there aren't any jars with mold or any kind of contamination.

Hope this info. helped, good luck and happy growing

John