Orchid spike...

[quiltergal]

That would probably help a lot. Once it's long enough you can stake it and just keep moving the stake clip up as the spike grows.

[Dorothy]

Why don't you let the spike grow naturally? If you have it hanging, it will grow like it would in nature in a downward arc ..

[dart_king]

i want it to be straight so it wouldnt break from any small movment, just so you know i put a take in the pot, and put a clip around it, is that ok?

[Dorothy]

Yep it sounds good to me Remember not to set the clip on a node but between nodes

[Cruetsonly]

You can try to very carefully tie your spike to some kind of stake. I use bamboo skewers and sometimes I need to tape two skewers together to make it into one long stake. There is no way to make the spike shorter and you wouldn't want to. The longer the spike, the more flowers generally.

But, be very careful when training your spike or you will have it break. You won't get it straight all at once. You will have to start where it is and gradually train it upwards. I use plain, old twist ties and move them upward along the bamboo as my spikes grow. I also add more twist ties as needed.

I think that phal would be happier away from the window a bit. Depending on the direction that window is facing, you will get burned leaves.

[Dorothy]

I have found long bamboo stakes at my local nursery .. 4 footers and I cut them down when necessary and I have bought clips ( in an assortment of sizes) like these which were quite inexpensive and reusable ..
( you can get them cheap on eBay, too )
Green Daisy Plant Clips (dozen)
Since you are in Canada - Cloud's has them - The Supplies Catalogue !

[quiltergal]

I prefer clips to twistie ties also. They are easier to adjust once the spike is staked. Much less fiddling involved so less chance of accidentally snapping it. Sounds like you're on your way!

[Cruetsonly]

I use both clips and twist ties depending on the circumference of the spike I'm training. I have found some clips to be too tight and constrictive and so for those plants I use twist ties. Every day I slide the twist tie up about 1/4" inch. Works great for me, but each person must find what works best for any given orchid.
Best of luck!

[dart_king]

Thank to everyone that helped, i would have for sure mest up my first spike ever, but thanks to all of you i have some knowledge now

Dorothy- what do you mean between a node?

Also i went to see if my clip is too tight and when i took it of it left tiny dents on the spike where the "fork" of the clips are, is that ok or should i use twistie ties?


Once again thanks everyone!

[Cruetsonly]

For some reason the little dents bother me. I've had flowers wilt if I dented them. That's why I use twisties on some of my orchids. I find the nodes keep them from sliding too far down and keep them in place.

The nodes are potential grow sites, that is why you don't want to squish them.

Best of luck,
~Lisa