Will putting in new stakes harm the roots?

[JerseyGirlBecky]

Hi, I am a newbie here, but have 5 Phals and three unknowns. I have one Phal that is sending up three new spikes. Can't believe it!
The question is? Two of the spikes are on one side and the third on the other. Can I put in three new stakes without harming the roots?
This is a phal I bought on sale. It did have a label saying it is a Sin Yuan Golden Beauty. I put it in a new pot right away. Have only had it about 3 weeks.
Thanks, Becky

[tucker85]

Yes you can. It's amazing how tolerant most orchids are about damaging roots. I went to a repotting class where a commercial grower was cutting almost all the roots off orchids before putting them in new pots. Having said that, I would try to do as little damage as possible but even if you do damage a root or two it usually won't have any effect of the plant at all. Another thing to keep in mind, the spikes on phals will be very long. When the plant starts to spike it looks like you need to stake it right next to the plant but as the spike gets longer you realize that the stake can and should be well out away from the center of the plant. I wait as long as possible to stake them so that I can get the placement right. A spike can be at least 8" or 10" before you need to stake it. I also like phals with natural flower spikes that are not staked like the one in this picture from my patio last year. Good luck!

[JerseyGirlBecky]

Ahh, thank you. I will wait til they are much taller and put the stakes as close to the edge of the pot as possible.
beautiful Photo!
Becky

[got ants]

I'm phasing out my Phals as they don't tolerate our summers too well, and I grow strictly outside. That being said, when they do spike, I stake according to how the plant is oriented in the pot. They generally grow to one side, and the spike seems to come out that way too. So, in order to stake them, I have to poke it in where the roots are. I try to wiggle it in between the roots and get it to the bottom of the pot. That way the stake will always stay put.

It also depends on the phal itself. Some put out larger spikes. Some like to curve more than others. I'm starting to like the cascading effect more as it looks more natural.

But like Tucker said above, it shouldn't harm the phal too much. Good luck and happy growing.

[CTB]

Be careful once you get your stakes in if they are metal bend the tops they are great for poking eyes. If I use bamboo I usually but a clip or cloth at the top just for awareness. Worry more about you working around them, than the orchid.
BTW, Welcome to the Orchid Board.

[JerseyGirlBecky]

Thank you Carol. I will do that. I am pretty much staying with the phals. It is much colder here and they seem to thrive for me. I am reluctant to put them out even in summer. It is very hot here and humidity varies. Plus the book I bought says to buy what does best in your area.I have very little space so have to stick with what works. Maybe later I will branch out. I do have three that were given to me in horrible condition. I think one is a catt, but who knows. Only thing living is a couple of green sprouts on all of them. No roots at all. So am trying to save them.
Thanks again, Becky