I have to agree with estacion seca, there are selected clones that simply produce massive keikeis! Seedlings, of course, are a mixed lot, but the best way to finding a floriferous plants that doesn't expend massive energy into keikei production. It does lie in the nature of the species to keikei, as this is an egoistic and efficent method of reproduction. It assures the spread of that particulat genome. Survival of the fittest.
Now, the keikei is typically the result of not enough cooling in the year cycle. A plant that has been sufficiently cooled and then allowed to bloom, will not produce as many keikeis, if any, as its energy budget is too low. It will produce good new growth and, yes, reducing the fertilizing, particularly nitrogen, once the new bulbs are close to mature, will help to stabilize the year cycle. The catch is, in a practicle sense, D. kingianum is best grown outdoors, where the vagarities of weather strongly influence the plant. I grow mine outside and have two growth seasons, one after the other, as our Spring-Summer starts warn, cools for 3-4 weeks, warms up, again, and massive rain. The plants do respond well, and I fertilize throughout, but I often have a weak bloom, despite proper cooling. However, I do get early Summer flowers due to my weather. A trade-off. The plant has simply invested more time and energy into growth and has little ripening time at the end of the season. Then, again, there are years when I do get prodigious bloom, as luck prevailed. I have reduced myself to 4 clones I particularly like and which prosper. Others were tossed (they were that bad!) of gifted to growers with other conditions.
Fortunately, this species grows quickly and is inexpensive, which allows the hobbyist to indulge, room prevailing, as they are not really small plants, rather compact.
Jamie
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