The process of germination varies considerably with different genera and species.

Phaius grandifolius requires much less time to complete fructification and the process has finished in two months, and Paphiopedilum insigne in four months; the speediest are some of the hardy terrestrial orchids which are pollinated and germinate in eight or nine days to a fortnight.

There are very few orchids which are capable of self-fertilization, among them being Disa crassicornis from South Africa, the pendulous and deciduous Dendrobium cretaceum from India and Burma and two North American species Gymnadenia tridentata and Platanthera hyperborea.

Be sure to check out Fertilization Of A Dendrobium Flower – Part One!