| Depending upon the type of plant many do not need to be staked even though you commonly see them staked. Part of this is because it provides some measure of protection during transporting/shipping. I tend to wait until the spike is good and strong/sturdy before thinking about staking and then don't clip too close to the growing tender end portion or even tender side spikes. If I'm not taking them anywhere - just enjoying them at home - I try to leave many of them unstaked. Of course some phals and others can grow very long spikes and the stakes certainly will provide protection from damage and allow growers to increase the aesthetics to the overall plant. Do you have a concern about damaging roots or something when inserting a stake into the media? There are many types of stakes available - wires, bamboo, plastic, misc. types and shapes of wood, etc. |