it was getting to the point where the growth was killing the other plants, so I needed to do a huge trim of the emmersed plants. I always think after a trim and water change that I should have photographed it with the water low, but I always forget. it's nuts how filled with roots and moss the tank is.
seriously though, I never saw the bud, just had a blossom one day after having it in there forever. I think maybe I was trimming them too often or something. I have been misting way more often this season than in the past.
tonight while cleaning the filter, the island slipped off it's roost and into the water. I was able to have my girl snap a few quick pics while it was out of the tank. nearly 2 feet of roots! still pretty solid after more than 2 years!