Staking Phalaenopsis spikes

[jpyerry]

Hi geeks,

I feel like I should know this, but I have several orchids in spike. Is it detrimental to the spike (I guess my worry is that the clip might stress the spike, or make the spike grow weirdly) at all to stake them while they are growing as a means to prevent them from growing crookedly? When during the spiking process do people normally start staking their spikes?

Justin

[Anton]

Standard practice !!!!

Once they are about 2 1/2" to 3" is the best time. They are easily bent at this stage without fear of breaking them as they are very pliable and you start training them to go in the direction YOU want to go.

As they grow, change the wire / clips to follow them up the stake. Make sure that whatever you use to hold them is not too tight so that they can move upwards unhindered, but firm enough to make them follow the stake.

I use a thick bamboo skewer (about double the thickness of normal skewers) which are about a foot long, and just cut them with wire cutters to the length I need. Most big garden shops sell them, if need be I can post a picture if you like.

I have a range of sizes which I have pre cut and change them as the spike grows. This way they don't look out of place on the plant ..... aesthetics.

They are held to the skewers by either tiny spring loaded clips or wire ties. I prefer clips myself.

Hope this helps.

I have some "in training" at present which I can opst images of if you would like.

[cerastes]

In my experience you should stake them as the spikes begin to grow. I usually place the stake in the pot once the spike is about three inches long. I use butterfly clips to secure the spike to the stake.

[NiNiDazzle]

Thanks for this thread. I've always wondered when you should start staking. In the past, I have just let them grow willy nilly, but it's getting too crowded on my shelves to let them do that now.

[jpyerry]

Thanks, I am glad to hear I won't damage my spike by staking it at this point. It is about 4" long right now. So far, I have reflowered one orchid, and once its spike was formed, it snaked all over the place and looked like a mess because I did not stake it. I think I just need to order more stakes and clips now.

Justin

[Fishmom]

Clips aren't really required, unless you like them. The little paper-covered wires you get in the grocery store, to close veggie bags, work great. Plastic covered wire that is used in packaging is another good source.