Using wire to 'train' your orchid?

[Tropical murphy]

Does anyone train their orchid to flower in a certain shape? I've noticed that a lot of very beautiful orchids are on wire, bend out in a nice arc, to make an aesthetic display (particularly inside orchids).

Is it best to 'grow' the orchid this way, or can the wire be used once the orchid is flowering?

[kmarch]

Originally Posted by Tropical murphy

Does anyone train their orchid to flower in a certain shape?

Yes, I use stakes to train my cymbidiums ot grow upright. Many orchids are staked so they present better.

Originally Posted by Tropical murphy

Is it best to 'grow' the orchid this way, or can the wire be used once the orchid is flowering?

Staking is not necessary but some prefer it. Some stake and "train" the spike from very early on when it starts. Others don't stake at all.

[Ron]

Originally Posted by Tropical murphy

Does anyone train their orchid to flower in a certain shape? I've noticed that a lot of very beautiful orchids are on wire, bend out in a nice arc, to make an aesthetic display (particularly inside orchids).

Is it best to 'grow' the orchid this way, or can the wire be used once the orchid is flowering?

Hi I grow a lot of the big flowering types of Phallies and often use wire to train them into a nice arc.

[plucker]

Yep for all of those that have long sprays. Phals, oncids, dens
Even cats you can spread the blooms with foam or wire to get the blooms growing apart which puts on a better show.

[sunshine]

I have to agree with what has been said. You have to start the traing very young when the spikes are several inches long and very flexible. Here is my first attempt at training. Be careful with the amount of tension or you will snap the spike I see some things I did wrong such as the spike with too much bow,oops and Didn't have the spikes looking out the window so the blooms would all face one way. I found this fun and interesting and will give it a go,again

[Orchidementia]

I don't train spikes into unusual shapes, but if I notice a spike is growing in such a way it will not display well when fully formed, I will train it with wire while it is forming. Once a spike is mature, it can be staked for better display; if necessary, I use wire stakes that are less noticeable than bamboo stakes where ever possible.

[JudyC]

Originally Posted by Orchidementia

I don't train spikes into unusual shapes, but if I notice a spike is growing in such a way it will not display well when fully formed, I will train it with wire while it is forming. Once a spike is mature, it can be staked for better display; if necessary, I use wire stakes that are less noticeable than bamboo stakes where ever possible.

Do you have a photo of one of your displays with the wire? thank you

[NancyH]

I liked this thread. I would have never thought of placing a plant so the blooms will face the light and all be in one direction. Or separating 2 blooms close together to give room. Great tip! Thanks,
Nancy

[Anton]

Those blooms will look better with wire made to a large loop, it will also take the strain of the spike.

I have a range of wire stakes in varying sizes, and shapes depending on the flower type that I use them on.

I can post a pikkie of them if any newbies want some ideas.

[JudyC]

Originally Posted by Anton

Those blooms will look better with wire made to a large loop, it will also take the strain of the spike.

I have a range of wire stakes in varying sizes, and shapes depending on the flower type that I use them on.

I can post a pikkie of them if any newbies want some ideas.

Can't speak for all newbies...but this one DEFINITELY would LOVE to see please!! ty Anton