Gramm scriptum var citrinum

[nancy]

Originally Posted by Lorraine

Gr. Scriptum shipped home to me. It has grown but not bloom.

Hi Lorraine -
When I got a Gram. scriptum three years ago, I solicited advice on caring for it. Consensus from successful growers was: full sun, all day, all the time; water daily; feed weekly. They should have added "stand back."
I got it in a 4" pot, now it's in a 14" basket. Freaking beast.
Move it out from under the trees. And stand clear!

[unhappykat]

Originally Posted by nancy

Hi Lorraine -
When I got a Gram. scriptum three years ago, I solicited advice on caring for it. Consensus from successful growers was: full sun, all day, all the time; water daily; feed weekly. They should have added "stand back."
I got it in a 4" pot, now it's in a 14" basket. Freaking beast.
Move it out from under the trees. And stand clear!

Beautiful, now I may have to juggle my space around to fit one.

[nancy]

unhappykat - think about having a plant that you 1) can barely lift (though I work out daily), 2) can't bring into the house to enjoy when it's blooming (doors too narrow, rooms too small), and 3) really can't take to a meeting or show to display for all to admire (because you have a Honda, not a truck w/forklift).
My guesstimation, since these seem to spike on the growths that were new 2 seasons ago, is that next year it will have 3-4 inflorescences. Arresting as it is, I am hoping to 'unload' it at our show next June.
It is like having a pet elephant.
FWIW - Nancy

[JennS]

Oh Nancy, how you exaggerate...JK. I have one that I keep eyeing to bring home from my brother's nursery as I usually do after they head southward. I just have to come up with a reason for needing to give it the extra special care as it currently looks beautiful, just never flowers. What medium is yours in? Maybe that is part of the problem of my/not yet mine gramm in question.

Same question to any other growers.....what medium do you use? Thanks!`

[isurus79]

JennS,
I use large bark chunks in a 12" platic pot that has slits cut into the side of it. The bottom 1/3 filled with styrofoam, though if I did it again I would probably add lava rock or something more sturdy to provide aeration. I water it every day during the growing season and provide TONS of direct sun. This plant sulked for a few years after I repotted it, so yours just might take a while to get accustomed to its new home. Just to clarify, by sulking I mean that it put out new growth but did not flower.

[unhappykat]

Originally Posted by nancy

unhappykat - think about having a plant that you 1) can barely lift (though I work out daily), 2) can't bring into the house to enjoy when it's blooming (doors too narrow, rooms too small), and 3) really can't take to a meeting or show to display for all to admire (because you have a Honda, not a truck w/forklift).
My guesstimation, since these seem to spike on the growths that were new 2 seasons ago, is that next year it will have 3-4 inflorescences. Arresting as it is, I am hoping to 'unload' it at our show next June.
It is like having a pet elephant.
FWIW - Nancy

I dont think I will have too much trouble moving it around, I am sure it cant be any worse than moving aroung five and ten gallon cymbidiums. As for the lenghth of the inflorescences though that could mean a little trouble, but I still must have this elephant. It is just so appealing.

[isurus79]

I noticed Ive got 4 or 5 new growths coming from this guy so I chopped the elephant's ears off (the spikes) and they are now sitting beautifully in a vase in my kitchen! I would rather my Gramm put all its effort into new growth rather than split energy costs between flowering and growing. Maybe next year Ill get 10 spikes instead of 5!!

[unhappykat]

Originally Posted by isurus79

I noticed Ive got 4 or 5 new growths coming from this guy so I chopped the elephant's ears off (the spikes) and they are now sitting beautifully in a vase in my kitchen! I would rather my Gramm put all its effort into new growth rather than split energy costs between flowering and growing. Maybe next year Ill get 10 spikes instead of 5!!

ouch, I wouldnt want to be your plant. all that energy into producing beautiful flowers and then whack. I can hear the screams.

[JennS]

Thanks for the help on medium choice. I will have to repot then wait a few years... by then I am sure they will be fed up with the non flowering plant and give it to me for special care....

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by unhappykat

ouch, I wouldnt want to be your plant. all that energy into producing beautiful flowers and then whack. I can hear the screams.

You should see what I do to my non performers!!