Handy Hint For Newbies : Training cym spikes

[Anton]

Have you ever had a cym spike/s that grow out to the side, or in directions other than up ?

Well here's a simple solution which will help.

Get the cardboard inner rollfrom a roll of toilet paper, Saran wrap inner tube, or aluminum foil inner cardboard tube, and cut it to about 6" long and place it over a newly discovered spike, preferably one that is two to three inches long, and place a cane stake inside the tube to hold it upright.

The spike will then grow STRAIGHT UP, towards the light, and when it is a reasonable length, you can then cut the tube off, and viola, a straight spike.

As I was doing this to a couple of my cyms this afternoon, I thought it a handy hint to place here.

Today's lesson was brought to you by the letters C....Y....M.

[patticake]

Anton, You're the man!! That's a great idea. Thanks!

[flowerchild]

what a super idea!!!! You could use that for any orchid with a pseudobulb that you want to grow straight... Anton you are the man!!!!!

[Anton]

Not just a pretty face ladies.

[evagentry]

Thanks alot Anton, that isn't the kind of thing I would think of .

[Vivienne]

Great idea Anton - THANKS! Now all I need is a spike to try that on. LOL

[FLaCo]

Thanks Anton...now gives advice on how to get the spike.

[Kassey77]

Just remember that not all spikes should point up and that there are many pendulous varieties (some of which should bloom on my balcony soon). Also how does this affect the strength of the spike and the color of the flowers, as I've heard that darker colors need sun to develop and that spikes are strongest when they develop in full sun?