Encyclia rufly profuse - how long for the spike to mature?

[Maru777]

Hello everyone,

I have this encyclia rufly profuse that I bought a few years ago when it was pretty small. Now, after a loooong time, it finally decided to create a spike. So in about December it started growing the spike....and it’s been growing ever since. How long is it normal for them to take before they bloom? That’s a long time to grow a spike - it has not stopped growing, it gets taller and taller every week, but there is no trace of an actual flower. It’s about hip high now if I put it on the floor - which I had to because none of my shelves were tall enough for it. It’s the first time it’s blooming for me and the first encyclia that is blooming for me so I am not sure if there is something wrong with it, something I need to do or just how they usually operate. Should I be worried or just let it be? I know they are supposed to be long spikes, but are they supposed to take this long to mature? Thank you!

[Roberta]

I found a photo of it in Orchidwiz... it looks like it will get BIG! It's doing what it wants... and likely doing it very well. Just be patient... it will eventually produce buds and flowers, when it's ready.

[Maru777]

Thank you! Yes, it’s supposed to get pretty big, which it already kind of is, it’s how long it’s taking that is puzzling. It’s been growing for the last 4 months maybe it’s because the plant is “small-ish” since this is the first spike. If it blooms this century I’ll post pictures

[Keysguy]

'Tis Encyclia season!

Encyclia spikes take as long as 3 months to fully develop and flower depending on the species. What's important to remember to help you with your impatience is..."the longer it takes the flower to develop and bloom, the longer the flower will last", Not a given but a pretty good rule of thumb.