Should Catts be staked?

[OOAJ]

I recently bought an orchid for $2 and thanks to the members of this forum have determined that it is some type of Cattleya. The bulbs and leaves are all growing at 45 degree angles relative to the pot, (as opposed to straight up). There was a stake in the pot sort of holding a few together when I bought the plant, but they were still more or less all over the place.

I've since repotted and removed the stake, my question is, is there any harm that could result to the plant if I leave it unstaked, or is the staking more of an aesthetic/personal choice? If I should stake it, is there any method or tips? Should I do all the growth or only new growth?

I don't mind its current wild nature, but I want to provide the best conditions to get this thing to flower that I can.

Thanks in advance.
Also, if you want to see a pic for reference, see my post on the identification thread.

[Eyebabe]

Generally, a cattleya is staked to create a balance for the plant; keeping the pot in an upright position so it does not tilt over usually by supporting one or more pseudobulbs in a vertical fashion.
Not all of my cattleya plants require staking to do this.
Imho, rhysome clips are far more useful in holding the plant down securely to the media.
After using a rhysome clip, any imbalance I would correct with staking.

Staking is also useful for supporting the blooms when they come.

[OOAJ]

Well Thing isn't falling out or tipping the pot over at this point, so until it blooms I shouldn't have to worry about staking then?

[Eyebabe]

As long as the plant is secure to the media and not "wobbly" you are good!