Quote Originally Posted by taiping orchid View Post
Dear Angela, I've a suggestion. Next time when this plant start to spike again, stake the flower spike, make it erect vertically. You can do so by planting a thick straight wire in the pot, then tie the flower spike to it. Just imagine a straight 7ft flower spike with lots of side sprays.
Thanks for your comment.
I do have the spikes staked. But picture this, the huge 'Mule eared ' plant is growing in 8x8 slatted wooden basket. Have had it for more than 3 years and never flowered just grew bigger and bigger. In Feb. I noticed the spikes, much to my delight. The spikes grew longer and longer until I had to lengthen the hanging wire to stop it rubbing on the Shade house roof. Did this several times until I could lower it no more. I took it into the open in the shade of a tall tree and still it grew longer. Ihave the basket resting on a 4ft pedestal. At this stage, though the spikes are indeed 6-7ft long the buds only start at about 4ft from the bottom of the spike. Having to factor in the 4ft of the pedestal I cannot find a bamboo long enough to tie the spike higher, and so I have an arching of the spikes. I kinda like how they look
When the other four are fully opened I will post a pic of the entire plant in flower.