Monster Sphacelatum Spiking Out-of-Season

[IncurablePlantHead]

Sorry I don't have pic yet of spiking plant. I will try to post later. I've read, and many have told me that O. sphacelatum blooms in the Spring ( I cant' imagine it holding these spikes without flowering for 3 or 4 more months). This monster I acquired earlier in the summer is spiking like crazy. It must have 50 or more spikes already and thats just mostly around the top of the hanging monster blob. Its not finished yet because it is just now starting to spike around the middle and bottom portion. I think it will have well over 100 spikes before its done. I am worried that its reacting to the sudden move from its previous home of some 30+ years. Should I worry. Aside from a little sun burn from direct morning light, it seems very healthy and happy. I'm just not getting the early spiking. Any thoughts?

[tucker85]

Sphacelatum spikes take close to four months to mature and flower. They usually start to spike in late December, in South Florida, but this years everyone's sphacelatums are spiking early. I have no idea why. They're spectacular when they bloom.

[Dan796]

I'd love to see a pic of it in full bloom!
Sounds awesome! 30+ yo is a long time!

[Orchidgirl83]

Wow that is going to be quite spectacular when it blooms!!!

[IncurablePlantHead]

Originally Posted by Orchidgirl83

Wow that is going to be quite spectacular when it blooms!!!

Yes, it continues to produce new spikes even now. The 100 spike estimate has been long since exceeded and its not done yet. I see new spikes beginning almost daily, mostly around the middle and lower circumference now, though new ones around the top also pop out periodically. Its just mind boggling to think how many flowers it will produce.

I really hope we don't get a rare hard freeze this year. There's no way I could protect all those spikes. The 300 lb (estimate) monster hangs by a large chain beneath a giant Strangler Fig. The orchid's foliage is approx. 7 ft in diameter. Many of the early spikes extend another 2-3 ft beyond the foliage. My jaw drops every time I drive by it (it hangs at the head of circular drive to the house) and it doesn't even have its first bloom of the season yet. I will try to post an updated picture tomorrow.

[Dan796]

This I've GOT to see!
It sounds mind blowing!

---------- Post added at 11:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:32 PM ----------

If you ever decide to repot that?
I'd be honored to have a start of it!
That's just jaw droppingly awesome!

[Leafmite]

Can't wait to see the blooms!

[No-Pro-mwa]

Originally Posted by Dan796

This I've GOT to see!
It sounds mind blowing!

---------- Post added at 11:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:32 PM ----------

If you ever decide to repot that?
I'd be honored to have a start of it!
That's just jaw droppingly awesome!

Dan some where he has when he got this plant. He has a picture of it. It's amazing and I don't think it will ever be divided, you have to see this thing to believe it.

Goodness I have been waiting to see it bloom. This is worse than waiting on my own.

[Orchid Whisperer]

IPH, I'll join the chorus of those that can't wait to see pictures? Have you shown this plant before? Sounds like a cultural merit award candidate, at least! Maybe more!

[IncurablePlantHead]

Originally Posted by Orchid Whisperer

IPH, I'll join the chorus of those that can't wait to see pictures? Have you shown this plant before? Sounds like a cultural merit award candidate, at least! Maybe more!

Well its not blooming, but here are a few shots showing some of the spikes. I don't think it will ever get the chance to be in a show. Its a great idea, but the reality is I'm getting older and my back has already been injured from moving this orchid (it still hurts), and I'm not doing that again. It seems happy where it is and may well out live me under the big fig. As someone said before on this board, you might have to make a pilgrimage.