Trichocentrum undulatum

[angela]

Here are some pics. of one spike from my Trich. undulatum which I took to our Society meeting show table yesterday. I received a second prize. I could not transport the plant because it has four other spikes which are over 7ft. tall. I had to cut the one pictured in order to get it to fit into a vase.
As you will notice I am not the greatest Photographer, but hope you will enjoy hearing about it.
Angela

[RedEcho]

Fertilize with steroids?....that is huge. Congrats!

[angela]

Ha ha. No steroids. I received it over 3 years ago as a prize from our Orch. Soc. It just sat there and grew bigger and bigger but never flowered, and just as i was begining to get fed up with it some time in FEB. it stated to spike and the spikes grew longer and longer but the buds just wont open until now JULY !! the wait was worth it.
When the buds on the other 4 spikes burst I will post another pic of the entire plant.
Thanks
Angela

[Brutal_Dreamer]

That is really lovely, Angela. Would have loved to see it on the plant . Congratulations on your award.

Cheers,
BD

[orchidsal]

This already looks big and beautifully graceful to me. The full plant in bloom photos you are going to take should be amazing! AL

[catttan]

Wow that is an awesome spike - and another 4 spikes!!! Can't wait to see the plant with the 4 spikes in bloom.

[taiping orchid]

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.

[Roly0217]

Ohhh WOW !!! That single spike is a show stopper itself. I imagine that 4 spikes would definetely win a first place and possibly an AOS award. Not sure if you have AOS judging over there. Please do post pictures when it is completely in bloom. And now the plant has been added to the must get list.

[angela]

Thanks!
Yes, we do have AOS Judging for our shows. I won the first place at the Barbados Orch soc. Monthly meeting not at an annual show. Our Soc. has monthly meetings where there is a "Show table" and members can bring their orchids to compete. Our scores from meeting to meeting are tabulated and at the end of the year we are awarded with various challenge Cups and other prizes.
Thanks for your comments
Angela

[angela]

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.