In vitro seed germination, protocorm development, organization of shoot apical meristem, and initiation of leaf and root primordia are described in Dendrobium ovatum (L.) Kraenzl. The first leaf primordium was initiated opposite to the cotyledonary sheath on the apical meristem. The subsequent leaves arising from the apical meristem were alternate, resulting in two ranked condition of leaves, in the young seedlings. The origin of the first lateral root near the lower end of the procambium was observed. The terminal position of the epicotyl and absence of primary root has been established. The germination of orchid seed was of the epigeal type.