Cymbidiums Training the flower spikes

[Ron]

Hi All.
Cymbidiums Training the flower spikes!

A question often asked, how do I train my flower spikes to grow upright.
Photo 1 shows a small flower spike starting out, but in an outward angle that eventually if left unchecked will grow at a 45 degree angle and with the weight of the flowers eventually lean nearly horozontal.
Now that is not what you wanted.
So by training early it can slowly be bought to grow vertically upright.
I just use a plastic coated tie wire. Looped around the growing spike and the stake.
In the midday when the spike is supple, tighten the tie upwardes each day or so, by slowly pulling the new spike inwards,soon it will grow vertically.
Photo No. 2 show the bed of flower stakes.
A good flowering season is approaching.
Cheerio
Ron

[flowerchild]

Holy cymbidiums man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!

[Anton]

Another simple method Ron. I use the cardboard tubes from aluminium rolls when spikes are about 3" long, with a stake inside to hold it upright, and the spikes grow up towards the light.

I have been doing this for the past 2 seasons on the advice of "an old timer" from my club.

Using this method, I have had longer, straighter and stronger spikes than previous years. When the spike with the buds poke their heads over the top of the tubes, you very carefully either slide the tube up, or, if you have left it a bit late and the buds are too big to slide it over, just slit the tube with a Stanley knife (box cutter) and remove it that way.

All the nurses at work keep me well supplied in flowering season.

[Ron]

Hi Anton.
Good idea, also use to use the inner's of the toilet paper.
But now too many and this works fine and it is quick and easy.
I put on over 80 stakes so looking forward to a great flowering season.
How the shade house coming along
cheerio
Ron

[Hummer344]

Gee;s, How many cym are in your green house.

[Ron]

Hi.

Gee;s, How many cym are in your green house.

.
On this side bench is all my flowering size Cymbidiums, perhaps 130 or so.
I never bother to count them, on the other side is my young plants, all grown from flasks.
Again I never bother to count them, perhaps another 300.
This is my only hobby, growing orchids, so I tend to go overboard in buying them.
Good growing
Ron

[hulaorchid]

Thanks Ron for the info!! Anton too!