Unexpected Den Bud

[D&S Mabel]

Last year, I was given a number of castoff hardcane dendrobiums. They were in rough shape. All had spent some time in various positions such that a number of the canes shot off in wild directions. In order to get them under control and repot the plants, I had to cut down a number of the canes on most all of the plants.

A couple months ago, one of those shortened canes broke off again at a weak point where it appeared a squirrel had gotten at it and, as I was about to throw the piece away, I thought about how I read that you can grow more plants by cutting the canes into pieces, placing then on moist soil/mix, etc. So I put the piece of cane on top of the potting mix and left it there - and actually forgot about it.

While doing some orchid housekeeping today, I noticed that the piece has yet to put out any roots or sprouts - but it had actually sprouted a bud! I don't know that it will bloom but this was the last thing I expected out of this arrangement.