OSP1 medium (Hicks, 1999)

Originally cited by Hicks, 1999. Asymbiotic Technique of Orchid Seed Germination. Socorro, New Mexico: Orchid Seedbank Project.

This media was developed by the Orchid Seedbank Project as a simple  formula for the germination and culture of seedlings at home. It consists of readily available components.

The following are added to a 1 liter beaker:

Commercial sugar (sucrose): 2 level teaspoons

Miracle Grow fertilizer, 15-30-15: 1/2 level teaspoon

Bananas from baby food (no sugar added): 150 ml

Pineapple juice may be substituted for bananas. Water is added to the  1 liter mark, and all components are dissolved or suspended by stirring.

Media is dispensed into small culture vessels that have a circle of  absorbent paper in the bottom (Whatman #4 filter paper is excellent for this; otherwise, substitute any absorbent paper that will not  easily tear). Sufficient liquid is added to saturate the paper. This is a non-gelling media, and the paper will serve as the support.

This media is suited to germination of orchid seeds. Banana may be reduced or eliminated. For replate, banana is added, and culture  vessels use an inert substrate such as perlite to support the  seedlings. Nutrient media is added to culture vessels so that it is just below the level of the substrate. Media is autoclaved, and  seedlings may be replated on the surface of the substrate.

Source: Hicks, A. Asymbiotic Technique of Orchid Seed Germination. The Orchid Seedbank Project, PO Box 7042, Chandler, AZ 85246, USA