Sounds like over the years you become familiar with your mat if you keep the same one going and can better predict your own's flowering cycle.
If you find the secret to initiate the flowering cycle you might become a rich man!!
Just told my husband the good news about re-arranging the furniture to roll in one of the big boys!
He's being awesome about it. I support his aquaponics hobby (and steal his water) and he supports my bananas.