Is there a magic tape?

[brandank]

I came home from work today and find a horrible site. My Zygo chid had blown over and fallen off of the stand. It has 2 spikes that have blooms that are just about to open. One of the spikes was broken but still attached. Is there anything that I can do to help save this spike?

[kmarch]

I've broken spikes like this before. You have a few options:

1) Is the break mild enough that it can hold itself up without support? If so you may not need to do anything to it.

2) If it can't support itself you may be able to wrap florist tape back around the spike as if you were wrapping a bum knee. Depending on how bad the break is you may or may not need to add a popsickle stick or similar stick (a giant paper clip works too) as a sort of splint.

3) If it needs more support you could use a conventional stake stuck firmly in the pot and tie or wrap with floral tape the spike to the stake above and below the break kind of like a splint.

[jerrymeola]

I will give a little more encouragement, in that I seldom lose the flowers on bent spikes. Give it a splint similar to kmarch's suggestions and it should do fine.

Wow I break way too many spikes. Broke completely off 4 Psychopsis this week.

[sandra]

We've been having a lot of winds south of you as well brandank. I learned painfully last year when my dend. toppled over and it had just bloomed, lots of spikes, lots of flowers....all went toppling over when we had a night of high winds and rain. As well, one of my onc.'s that had just bloomed too. The best solution.....bungee cords! I found them in all sizes at WalMart and they've (literally) allowed me to sleep better. I've got most of the plants strapped down now as the winds are still kicking here. Go get some bungee cords.

[brandank]

Thanks for the help and encouragement! I have wrapped the spike w/ florist tape and staked it. The spike that did not brake has its 1st bloom opening tonight. The first shot is from 5pm and the last is from 9:30. The bungees sound like an excellent idea thanks for the tip.

[Leisurely]

I have Blc Chia Lin 'Shin Shi' Am/Aos that set buds without a sheath. The buds are very large as is the flower and they grew quickly. About four days ago I noticed the two buds were looking floppy and upon closer inspection I realized that the stem had broken from the weight of the buds and they were being supported by a mere thread. I put a stake in the pot and carefully tied the stem to the stake to provide support. I was fortunate not to break the remaining stem since there was very little holding it. Four days later one flower is open and the other bud will probably open in a couple of days. I am very curious to see if the flowers will be fleeting or if they will last their normal period of about three weeks. If these buds could survive, I am sure that yours will be just fine.

[patticake]

Brandan- What a cool blossom! Thanks and good luck with the rescue.