I have an epsicia of unknown name that I noticed today while cleaning it up and nipping off stolons for propagating,that it has seed pods. The plant's been out all summer ,same area but not real close to "Strawberry Patch" and "Silver Sheen". I'm wondering if I should sew them just to see what I'd get....or should I snip them to keep them from sapping energy from the plant? It a large plant in a hanging basket.
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NOID epsicia seed pods
sow them!
(not like anyone needed to ask me)
many episcia hybrids are of unknown parents anyway.
I think you should sow. I am all for trying to see what you can get.
Well,it's just a plain jane but maybe ...just maybe a bee made it up to it after visiting one of the others.
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Please SOW the seed! Episcia are very difficult to hybridize (I know, I've tried without success so far) and there are far too few people that are able to do so. You never know what what may result from your 'gift' and wouldn't it be wonderful if you are blessed with something new and beautiful? You will never know unless you try. Count yourself fortunate and all the best of luck to you!
snowrose - have you kept the humidity up high after pollination? that's usually the main trick to keeping seed pods from aborting.
Yes, Keyring....thanks.. I was referring to the whole process. Having your chosen varieties blooming, timing, etc. on and on. Some blossoms have no pollen and other such disappointments. AV's are so simple and straightforward for the most part, but I have found episcias to be quite a challenge. So far, I haven't had any success. There is an Episcia hybridizer I know and correspond with who said he tried literally hundreds of times before 'getting the hang of it'. I found it all so frustrating, I haven't been trying lately but will make more attempts one of these days.
I set out some plants this summer hoping the hummingbirds would give some assistance :0)
I haven't given episcias much effort because I know that I don't have the humidity - so pretty much impossible. When I get a bigger terrarium set up, I'm thinking about it though. Epicias and some phinaeas... maybe.
Do you know anything about whether episcia pollen can be stored in the fridge for a couple of months?
Excellent point about pollen storage. I know there are tubes you can get for storage but the question of how to store is a good one. I will try to find out.
Some say they put a baggie over the pollinated blossom to aid in humidity or tent the whole plant.
for orchids, pollen can be stored in folded magazine paper (glossy paper) in the fridge - apparently the right balance between retaining humidity and preventing mold. (or something like that)
Storing episcia pollen that way might be worth a try. Nothing ventured nothing gained. I will ask my friend what he thinks and if he stores pollen for later use. That would be so great if you could.
BigRed can't wait to see your new babies !
Well...I feel special getting seed pods without even trying. Now I'm excited for them to ripen so I can sew them.
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Let's just bump this great Sead Pod thread up ! We are all excited ! A baby for every Dg Friend !