[PhalPal]

Sheltie it is all about playing around to see what works in your environment, nothing wrong with trying new stuff. Orchids will tolerate just about anything that drains. I have used smooth little 'river rock' in the bottom of pots for extra weight. I also have a lot of pretty ceramic pots that I use for decoration when I bring my blooming orchids downstairs to enjoy. I just put the plastic pot into the ceramic and they don't tip over when in bloom.

Staking is largely just a matter of preference. Rarely do I have to stake a spike because I think it will snap off if I don't. In nature, phals grow with the leaves pointing down, not up, so the flowers grow downward also. Growers stake to save space too; they have more room on their benches if spikes point straight up. I like mine with a natural little bend so I don't stake at all.