How do you get a Grammatophyllum to flower

[lambelkip]

in colder climates, the leaves will be destroyed by frost, so people just remove them. (mine is currently leafless). it grows specialized pseudobulbs with a spike on top instead of leaves (the pseudobulb stays after the rest of the spike dies back) I'll post pics of mine later. you can see it in bloom here, but you can't see the base of the spike.

[nancy]

Hi Kip - that scriptum 'Kiilani' is somehow hybridyzed down to the (very manageable) small size. I have one of these as well, and will keep this one!
I think the growths that lead to inflorescences on these aren't real pseudobulbs, as they don't have leaves and don't seem to persist very long after the inflorescence finishes blooming. Neat plant, though, and seems to be pretty close to everblooming.
The big Gramm. in the photo - the foliage was actually cut off, the cut parts of the leaves were left. South Louisiana is not noted for its cold, believe me; the leaves didn't fall on their own. Maybe it was to make the plant easier to transport, I hadn't thought of that. Seems kind of barbaric, though!
Cheers - Nancy

[lambelkip]

Nancy, the growths that lead to inflorescences seem to stick around for me. I heard that Kiilani might be a hybrid. any idea what it was hybridized with?

[orchidislandinc]

you kiilani is a degeneration of a clone but i don think the cross was made ublic by whoever made it

[Gin]

I have a large scriptum it blooms from the base of the newest bulb the bulb hangs around a long time . I grow it like Nancy .
They are prone to mites causing damage to the leaves might be why they were cut off also the older leaves start looking worse for wear . Gin

[orchidislandinc]

i guys im a gram freak i have about 7 of them . trick is the love very bright light. im out in miami fl. an d i have themon tree trunks out in the yard. so maybe location is the problem? i wana help.

[Psyched]

Grams like lots of humidity, high temperature, good airflow and very bright lights, thus growing in subtropical climate a bit difficult. Maybe best to put water plate under the pot to increase moisture around the plant.

These days, they have a compact grams that can bloom reliably. Mine usually bloom 4 flowers per spike but the biggest bulb is giving me 11 flowers. Not as showy as its giant relative but it'll do in giving consistent flowers.

Giant grams takes a looong while to develop and establish (sometimes 3 years or more). Maybe they cut the leaves to reduce evaporation.

[lambelkip]

Originally Posted by Psyched

Giant grams takes a looong while to develop and establish (sometimes 3 years or more).

3 years is not a long while. Most orchids, even the fast growing commercial clones, take at least that long. I have a Paph that's 9 years old and has never bloomed, and some Phals can take 15 years or more.

[Bolero]

Interesting plants to grow! Light seems to be an important factor and I will keep that in mind for the future.

Let us all know how you go with getting them to flower guys!

[caoquendo]

Nancy's got the winning tip I think. I do exactly what shees said above with my Gramm. Full sun, water every day and fertilize every week. It will enter your house in no time..! hahahaha. No, seriously, it works! And I live in Puerto Rico and yes, is truly hot in here..!