Paph rothschildianum spike watch...

[Jeff214]

I'm happy to see my first spike on a multifloral type. Since I've never seen one in person... I'm not sure what all the hype is with rothschildianum but I'm excited to find out soon...

So far... it looks like a terrifying tulip.

Now when to stake it... and I wonder how tall the spike can get. I don't have much headspace in my indoor growing area under the lights...

One bract...


Two bracts...


Five bracts...


Starting to move up...


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swaying around...


maybe there are six buds in there...? peculiar looking thing...


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That's one thick spike...




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I spot a sixth bud...



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buds are starting to enlarge...



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The spike is taking a weird turn... it's so stiff I can't bend it back... hmmmm what to do.



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The tilt is irreversible...



Buds are enlarging...



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Buds continuing to enlarge and emerging out of the bracts. Starting too look like an egg of some alien species...



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Spike is suddenly elongating and straightening up.






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it's opening...




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there's an alien inside... bumped up the contrast on this one to see the insides...




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tentacle time!






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first bud opening up...







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It's still opening and unwinding...




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getting crowded...

[Roberta]

Oh wow! That is going to be spectacular. Congratulations. Don't be in a rush to stake. Likely the spike will present well all by itself - and will build the strength to support the flowers if left to its own devices. Any "guiding" should be only if really needed.

[Jeff214]

Thanks - I'm excited for the blooms! I'm rather clumsy and I worry that I'm going to knock things down when I'm watering. We'll see!

[billc]

You.are.in for a real treat. The hype will be justified when it blooms.

Bill

[Shadeflower]

already makes me want one too.

[WaterWitchin]

Imma grab some popcorn and join this watch party!

[Jeff214]

Thanks. I'm excited to see this thing in all its glory...!

This rothschildianum seems to be a moderate grower, making 2 leaves a year. I got this one 2 years ago. It's been pretty care free. Philippinese is an even faster grower, making alot of new growths but hasnt bloomed. And then theres sanderianum... I think its made half a leaf in two years............... I think the spike watch party for that one will be in 20 years...

[WaterWitchin]

Right?!? Why are they so darned slow?!? Patience is one thing… some of these are just ridiculous.

[Roberta]

That's what multifloral Paphs do If you get a seedling, you'd better be young.

[Mr.Fakename]

That's going to be an incredible show!!