Ascocentrum miniatum - surprise, finally!
 

I've had this one for well over a year. It has been growing happily enough in its 4" wood basket, but hasn't ever given any sign at all of wanting to flower. I went to water this morning, and... lo and behold: a big fat healthy spike, woo hoo!! :banana:

Now the impatient part begins... :whistling

How exciting!! Being patient is so so hard, the spikes seem to stop growing when I watch them! Can't wait to see pics of your blooms!! :biggrin:

I'm sure the wait will be worth it when the flowers open.

Can't wait to see those open! Congrats! What conditions are you growing this in?

Stephen, he is a fat little guy. Looks interesting, keep us posted.

Marilyn

Nothing special at all: it's in a 4" teak basket with a few pieces of fir bark wedged in to keep it steady until it rooted firmly. It hangs about 6" below the tubes under a T5 fixture, gets watered/sprayed daily, fed every other watering with half-strength MSU. Switching to distilled water really helped, as I was losing a lot of aeiral roots.

Incidentally, based on what I've been reading, I'm starting to think this one is probably going to turn out to be A. garayi, not miniatum. I understand it's a common seller's error. For starts, it's blooming in early spring, while miniatum is supposed to be a fall bloomer. Also, the leaves are very stiff and straight, which is supposed to be another garayi indicator. Won't know for sure until the flowers open and I can see their shape. Regardless, I'll love it just the same. ;)

Looks exciting! Keep us posted on the progress!

yeah!!!!!!! love this plant - keep us posted as I too have read the
"Incidentally, based on what I've been reading, I'm starting to think this one is probably going to turn out to be A. garayi, not miniatum. I understand it's a common seller's error. For starts, it's blooming in early spring, while miniatum is supposed to be a fall bloomer. Also, the leaves are very stiff and straight, which is supposed to be another garayi indicator. "
although mine flowered in august/september..
Can't wait to see your blooms!

I cant wait to see your blooms.
BTW, I grew up around Syracuse.