Wire stakes

[j0ker918]

Does anyone use malleable wire stakes to help "shape" and support their orchid spikes? I was able to get some 16 gauge green floral arrangement wires from Joanns to help give a tad of support to my already self-straightened phal spike, but I think I need something noticeably sturdier in the 9-12 gauge level to support my catasetum spikes. Seems like some people use wires, but I can't seem to find any place that sells them. I would prefer plastic coated ones since I'm worried the heat from the daylight on wires will injure the plant. Vertical Wood/Bamboo stakes are out of the question since they will probably snap the horizontal spikes

[katrina]

I get my heavier gauged stakes from Kelley's Korner....
Stakes, Angle-Loc Metal Plant Support (Hangers & Supports) : Kelley's Korner Orchid Supplies, We offer everything to grow great Orchids!

The link will land you on the ones I use for my Angs but they have a number of different styles and types...and the prices are very reasonable.

I use just the uncoated wire and have never had a problem w/burn...even under HOT T5 lights. With that said...Kelley's sells coated wire stakes.

[PaulB]

I've used an aluminum wire, that's mostly sold in Bonsai nurseries. If you can find one. It is anodized and it comes in various gauges and is used to train the branches on Bonsai. Great for redirecting a spike. I might add, that you literally wrap it around the spike, like a snake, then bend the wire encased spike. Depending on the thickness of the pike, this bending is done in gradual intervals every few days, so as to not to break the spike.