Should I stake a Masda veitchianna spike? - Orchid Board

RosieC · #1 08-21-2010, 11:05 AM

I have a spike on my Masda veitchianna which is getting longer and is very thin and flexible.

The bud on the end is getting bigger but is still pretty small and just today seems to have sagged slightly even though it doesn't seem big enough to have weighed it down.

Should I stake it. I've seen veichianna in flower at shows and I don't think it was staked, but I just can't imagine this long spike holding up the large flower that veichianna has.

RosieC · #2 08-21-2010, 11:32 AM

Forgot the pics

The first is the flower bud. This is a probably just over half an inch in length.

The second hopefully shows the full spike. It curves over as you can see and it's very delicate and flexible seeming. I'm not sure how it can ever hold up the flower.

RosieC · #3 08-22-2010, 10:14 AM

Cym Ladye · #4 08-22-2010, 01:15 PM

Hi Rosie,

With all my masdevallias, I use a wire, the strength of the wire found on hanging baskets. I make a couple of bends in the top, and hook the stem into the bend about 1/2 to 3/4 of the way up the stem. This guides more than actually holds them up, as they will stay erect by themselves if not moved about too much, and allows you to distribute multiple stems around the pot in an attractive manner.

CL

RosieC · #5 08-23-2010, 05:12 AM

Thanks CL,

Sounds a good plan. I'll get some wire and do just that.

This one has actually turned more erect since the pic was taken. Not sure why but it's straightened on i's own. I'll get some wire anyway to help guide it. If this actually gets to open it will be my first ever Masda flower. This same plant spiked earlier in the year but blasted, this one as developed further so

RJSquirrel · #6 08-23-2010, 05:16 AM

I like the wire plan

ohh AND nice little masdy spike too...you are all so good at this

RosieC · #7 08-23-2010, 05:20 AM

RJ, I really don't know what I'm doing with Masda. I've just been lucky so far that it seems to like the conditions I've given it.

I told myself if this one did well I would get more... except just like me I bought another before I knew if it was doing well or not

It's a good job they both seem to be growing well

Cym Ladye · #8 08-23-2010, 12:57 PM

Hi Rosie,

As you know from our previous conversations, I am primarily a Cymbidium grower. But I got started with masdevallias several years ago because they are great Cym. companions in my area. Now I love to grow them as specimen plants! They are a whole lighter than specimen Cyms.

CL

Masdyman · #9 08-23-2010, 05:59 PM

I too use green plastic coated wire ,in the UK you can get it from Wilkinsons in the garden section .It is in two grades ,coiled up ,i have both but use the thinest grade as it is more delicate .

RosieC · #10 08-24-2010, 07:08 AM

Thanks Masdyman,

I already have the thinner grade for use arround my garden so I'll give that a try.

After straightening up yesterday on it's own, I noticed the spike had lent over like in the pics again this morning. Didn't have time to do anything before work so I'll look later when I get home.