paph seed germination: dark or light?

[myxodex]

I've come across conflicting information about this. Is it better to give newly sown seed a period of dark before commencing light cycles ?
If the answer is species specific then I'd be interested in henryanum hybrids.
Cheers,
Tim

 

[Paul]

I would tell you to give your Paph seeds very deep shade, very indirect light and temperatures a little higher than needed by the species. When the seeds germinate, you can provide them a little more light.
I had quite good germination rate when I sowed my first Paphs seeds, I put them in almost darkness. Then I failed at the stage of protocorms (bacteria or other pest)
I will try soon with better media and much better flasks

 

[littlefrog]

I haven't done it in a while, but when I did I would just put the newly seeded flasks up on a high shelf. It wasn't dark, but there wasn't any real light either, just ambient room light in a room without windows.

I don't think you need to give them day/night light cycles until you have done your first replate. That is probably a good time to start.

 

[fundulopanchax]

Hi,

Like you, I have seen both kinds of advice. I am not an expert having had some success and some failures. My best success came when I put the flasks in complete darkness for 8 weeks, then placed them into light.

Ron

 

[Rick]

Troy Meyers flasks paph seed in the dark. He germinates phrags in light.