Saving nepenthes pollen

[NepsAroundTheHouse]

Good Evening Folks,

I am wondering what is the best way to preserve Nepenthes pollen when no other females are in flower? Can one put the opened flower stalk in a baggy and freeze it for several months, or does that render the pollen sterile? Curious because many times my male plants are in flower when my females are not and I would like to pollinate them at a later date. Finally, does the pollen virility decrease the longer each successive flower has stayed open? Any advice would be welcomed.

Thanks greatly,
Joel

 

[schloaty]

I have heard that it can be stored in the fridge for a couple of months. Not sure if you're supposed to keep the whole flower or remove the pollen...My guess is you should remove the pollen.

 

[Pyro]

You might want to try finding James Cokendorfer (not sure on that last name spelling) He was doing work on storing Nep pollen.

 

[NepsAroundTheHouse]

Space Cowboy,

Thanks, I forgot I had James' email. He pretty much said to shake off the pollen onto wax paper and then transfer the pollen into a vial or container and air dry or fridge dry it. Then it can be stored in the freezer for a year. He said quick drying it in a cool place is best, like a fridge. Also, the more the smell the riper the pollen. I have noticed that when the neps are in flower they give off a rather unpleasant odor. So thanks for the tip. James also said he should have a paper on the subject coming out soon. Good job!

Joel