![Background Image](https://images.prismic.io/aosweb/e9a633d7-4e25-4cea-9351-6f839d502668_header-bg.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&w=3840)
Question
Is it possible to safely store, and keep viable, cymbidium pollen? How long will it remain in good condition and how should it be stored? I would like to do some standard cymbidium breeding, but one cultivar, which is in spike, has not yet bloomed and I want to use it as the capsule parent plant. — Tom Capranica
Answer
For the short time you have in mind, remove the pollen, wrap in clean paper and store in a cool, dry place. Small Post-its® can be folded up to store pollen. The pollen will keep this way for at least a year. For longer storage, the use of a dessicant is recommended. We have stored pollen in a stoppered test tube, with desiccant in the bottom held in by cotton. Pollen will keep for some years this way. Be sure to label and date the packets. — Ned Nash
![orchids-marketplace](https://images.prismic.io/aosweb/255bb704-8f6a-46ff-9392-38538be7b144_OrchidMarketplace.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&w=640)
FREE ACCESS: Orchid DealWire
Get notified when orchid vendors have special promotions and exclusive savings.
![Hero-img3](https://images.prismic.io/aosweb/222d1c87-34c0-47ec-8669-1a2da5768b2a_hero-img3.webp?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&w=3840)