OK, I have a few questions... It turns out that a taggless paph I took a gamble on turned out to be a victoria-mariae. I was wondering, would it be safe to self pollinate it? It is a small plant with one blooming division (ls 18")and another smaller division (ls 6"). I would love to have seedlings of this beauty (from what I gather it is semi rare). I guess my question is do you think it is established enough to start a seed capsule? Also, being a tagless plant, how could I get it registered and named? Before now I have only grown orchids. This will be my first attempt at pollinating, and I dont really know how all of the taxonomy stuff works... thanks!

OK, I have a few questions... It turns out that a taggless paph I took a gamble on turned out to be a victoria-mariae. I was wondering, would it be safe to self pollinate it? It is a small plant with one blooming division (ls 18")and another smaller division (ls 6"). I would love to have seedlings of this beauty (from what I gather it is semi rare). I guess my question is do you think it is established enough to start a seed capsule? Also, being a tagless plant, how could I get it registered and named? Before now I have only grown orchids. This will be my first attempt at pollinating, and I dont really know how all of the taxonomy stuff works... thanks!

I would wait until the next blooming to self it, seed pods take a lot of energy and you'll have better results from a larger plant. Since it is a species, there is no registration process. Get a tag, write Paph victoria-mariae on it, and you're good to go.

Well, he should probably have the species verified by someone qualified.

Yes, I agree with what Dot said. Take it to your local orchid society or someplace where someone more qualified can actually identify it for you in person and then go from there. Tony gave some good suggestions.

I think Tony means next growth's bloom not next flower.

Yes, I agree with what Dot said. Take it to your local orchid society or someplace where someone more qualified can actually identify it for you in person and then go from there. Tony gave some good suggestions.

I agree. From my experience I have never lost a plant from trying to grow a pod. If the plant is not ready it either does not take or the pod will be empty when you harvest it. I know many others will say different but that is my limited experience

Also unless it is spectacular I would not self it. Try to get pollen from someone. Even if it is spectacular try to find somone who also has a nice one.

To be honest if the tag was lost and I was not 100% sure what the plant was or if their is any doubt with those you show it to I would not use it to cross at all