This is one of my Spathoglottis plicata 'Purple' plants. Are these seed pods?

Um, did you forget something?

Whoops.

Yep! It is a seedpod

What do I do with these things? I have never had an orchid form one.

Well, you could send it to a lab to be grown once it ripens, just leave it alone, or remove it so the plant doesn't waste energy. My Epis and Nageliella have pods every year. I just ignore them.

I'm with Carol. I ignore them.

Jim

OK, that's exactly what I will do then. Just ignore them.

Spaths being a terrestrial orchid, they might start easier from seed, I don't know for sure. I know I've had pods but don't know if any seeds germinated.

But I'd set a pot of seed starting mix under those pods, and let them drop their seeds. See what happens. The pods will puff up, turn brown then pop open.

Other orchid seeds are tiny to microscopic, but since these orchids grow in the ground, they might have bigger seeds.

I might do that, Elaine. I have had lots of terrestrials, but most of them were seedlings and never really matured before being sold. These Spah. are all very mature plants, so these are the first that I have ever had that formed those pods. Kind of neat............I'm easily impressed.

I more or less agree with Elaine. These plants reproduce in nature, without any help, so if the conditions are just right (whatever that might be) they should have a chance. Certainly can't hurt to try if they will be in the greenhouse anyway. Might try some different mediums to see what happens. It would be fun to get seedlings without lab conditions. If you try it, document your conditions and you can share with us. Spaths must not grow here, as I've never seen one in person (I'm guessing it's humidity), but If you can get them to propagate by seed there it would be interesting.