How to stake my Cymbidium spike

[Marissa]

Can you guys please give me ideas on how to properly stake my Cymbidium spike or is it better just to let it bloom without staking. I'm afraid the the spike will not hold without any support. Right now I couldn't even count how many buds, I'm sure it has more than 30.

[WhiteRabbit]

YOWZA! very nice spike!
I guess for myself, it would depend on how large the blooms are expected to be - I have a couple cyms with smaller blooms that I leave the spikes un-staked. And so far, my cyms with large blooms haven't had so many, so I haven't had to deal with it yet.

Un-staked, this one may need to be set on a small table, bench, etc

Hopefully, someone can advise on how to stake it if that seems the way to go -

I can't wait to see pix of this blooming! Good growing!

[Queenslander]

Originally Posted by WhiteRabbit

YOWZA! very nice spike!
I guess for myself, it would depend on how large the blooms are expected to be - I have a couple cyms with smaller blooms that I leave the spikes un-staked. And so far, my cyms with large blooms haven't had so many, so I haven't had to deal with it yet.

Un-staked, this one may need to be set on a small table, bench, etc

Hopefully, someone can advise on how to stake it if that seems the way to go -

I can't wait to see pix of this blooming! Good growing!

Did any help you with this one???

[Cym Ladye]

Marissa,

I am suspecting one of the madidum hybrids which are known for a long arching to pendent inflorescence. If you allow it to go as it is, it will break. If you stake it 1/2 up, it will break at the bend. And if you put a yo-yo on it and stake it straight up, you may break it in the process of staking but if you succeed in getting it straight up, it will lose all the charm of the madidum arching to pendent style.

I suggest a stake inserted at the angle of the existing direction the spike is now growing. (good luck getting it in the pot!) Attach the tie where it starts to bend. Then let gravity have its way but WATCH DAILY! You can also wire the spike but I have had no experience in doing this and if you plan to show the plant, that "training" may be frowned upon by many judges.

These madidum based hybrids and any of the long, heavily budded, Standard flower spikes are a real challenge to stake. Know your plant as to parentage and it will help to determine how you want to present your spikes.

CL