Did you end up getting any blooms?

[QUOTE=JScott;1005403]

Wow! I see why they call it 'The Predator.' Hope it showed out good for you :)

I think we're gonna make it this year!
 

As soon as the flower spikes began to emerge, I moved the plant indoors, because by then it was in the high 80s during the day. If you keep up with Texas weather, you know recently we have had some days as hot as 108.

Anyway, I brought it in. It had six spikes. The littlest one turned yellow and died, and I freaked out, thinking it was starting again and they were all going to die, but they didn't. Just that one. So it has 5 spikes now, and they are growing and getting fat. I have two that I think might bloom in the next couple weeks, if not sooner.

I've included a pic so you can see how far along they are.

I'm so excited! I've been waiting for this for five years. I was about to give up on it and just give it to somebody here if it didn't bloom this year, but bringing it inside seems like it did the trick. I am SO EXCITED!

I'll post a bloom pic when they open. Thanks for all the help and suggestions. I never could have done it without all the great people at Orchid Board. I would like to thank every one of you who has kept up with thread for all these year, and those who have given advice and made suggestion. You guys helped me made this happen. Thank you so much.

The plant is way huge overgrown in a 12 inch basket. I would love to keep it whole, but I just don't have the space to accommodate a plant that big. I'm giving very serious thought to repotting it and splitting it up later this summer or early fall when the new growths are well on their way. If I do this, I will have divisions. If you would like a division this fall, I'd be happy to give you one once they get established. PM me if you might be interested, and I'll put on the list.

Although I am not charging for these (wildly expensive plants), I would welcome a trade. If you have nothing to trade or nothing I want, I'll still send you a plant if you pay shipping.

Very cool! Can't wait to see the open flowers!

I can't wait to see this sucker finally bloom! Good grief it's grown. Anyone, how long do the flowers actually last once they open? I'm tempted to try one.

3 or 4 days, but they often have sequential bloom spikes opening at different intervals

Oh yesssss! It could be just a few more days. Mine teased me for almost a week, buds getting bigger and spreading apart until one morning the open flowers were there to greet me. I find flowers are at their best for about a day (I take lots of pictures), then segments sort of roll up but continue to emit perfume for maybe 2 more. Then it's done. This is a "don't go on vacation or you'll miss the show" plant. This is the year!

Mine has five spikes. The two biggest ones look like they will bloom at the same time in the next two or three days, but the others are smaller and in different stages of development, and a ways from blooming, so I think the bloom season will be extended a little as the smaller spikes mature and bloom.



---------- Post added at 10:53 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:51 AM ----------

It's actually funny that you said that. My dad invited me yesterday to spend a week at our lake house in Eufaula, Oklahoma. The buds are so close to opening, I declined the offer because I didn't want to be gone when they bloom and miss the whole thing hahahahaha

Maybe take bets? In the photo, the most open spike I give 3 days, the one closer to the camera I give 5-6. So the show will be extended nicely.

---------- Post added at 08:57 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:54 AM ----------

I speak from sad experience. July is a big time for vacations. And prime time for Stan. tigrina. Has happened to me more than once. :((

I often spend all summer in Brazil from June first until right before I have to report to school in early August, so yes, I have missed blooms before lol