Spike Clip Modification?

[krpot]

So, I was walking around downtown, and I passed a flower shop with a phal in the window. The phal isn't what struck me it was the green moss clipped onto the spike. I thought it looked neat and wondered why they had done that. I sometimes worry when I clip a spike because sometimes the "teeth" kind-of dig into the inflorescence leaving markings and dents. I wonder if they did this to "cushion the blow" of the clip or if it was purely decorative. I attached some moss to a couple of mine already. Have any of you seen/done this? Could it be helpful or harmful?




Oh and this was a camera accident of my new phal noid

[amersault]

can't see it doing any harm. if anything, it provides some cushioning between the clip and stalk. it's purely for decorative effect.

personally, i don't like those clips - i've accidently 'snipped' young stalks w/ those while readjusting.

[krpot]

Cool. I thought it looked interesting so I wanted to check to see if there was anything special that it did. Yes, I've wounded a few of mine as well.

If you don't use clips what do you use if anything, amersault?

[Phalcycle]

I use the twisty ties you use to like keeping the air in a bad og wonder bread. I re-use them on orchids, and they don't hurt the spike at all.

[mehitabel]

Originally Posted by krpot

I sometimes worry when I clip a spike because sometimes the "teeth" kind-of dig into the inflorescence leaving markings and dents.

I agree that you can damage and at least put a few gouge marks into a spike with those clips. I use a small piece of velcro tape under the clip, often instead of the clip.

[amersault]

there's greenhouse wiring that you can get at Lowe's - it's wire that's insulated so it doesn't hurt the stems. grower's tape or plastic tape works just as well.

i find sandwich baggie ties are the worst offenders bc the plastic casing is just as sharp on soft stems!

lately, i've just been using raffia or fabric ties. i tie them in a loose figure 8 around the stake and the stalk. that way, i just let stalk hang slightly on the noose and grow as it likes.

and idea for you: still use your moss but use a fabric/raffia tie instead and just bow-tie lightly. i think it would give it a more interesting look

[krpot]

Okay, awsome! Thank you for all the ideas.

[tangers40]

i have a small spool of cotton thread i use to tie up my new spikes until they're strong enough for clips. tie in just a regular ol' shoelace-type knot, then you can untie and adjust the spike every few days as needed.