Q on spike

[Slobo]

When would be the right time to start training flower spike to grow upright?

Thanks,

Slobo

[Wjs2nd]

It depends on the type of orchid you have. Some orchids will even get pretty long spikes (2-3 feet) and will not need any kind of support. Just don't move an orchid around in the light and that help the spike grow up straight. Move it around to much and it may twist the spike or make your blooms twist.

[Jennyfleur]

I agree, it depends what spike it is and what angle it's growing at before you put the stake in - some of my phal spikes start horizontal and I need to gradually ease them upwards whereas a Paph spike will grow up and only need a bit of support if it starts getting top heavy

[Slobo]

Sorry I didn't mention that the flower spike is on phal. It's approximately 3" long right now and it grows horizontally.

Slobo

[Wjs2nd]

You could start to carefully work the spike up. Put a stake towards the end of the spike, start to bend the spike up the stake, and very loosely tie it to the stake (use something like a wire-tie).

[Slobo]

Thanks for the advise.

[Jennyfleur]

I use embroidery thread as it tends to be softer and doesn't cut it to the spike itself. You can then tie it loosely and gradually (if you put it a bow first) untie and reduce the gap between the spike and the stake. Just remember, be patient and careful - there are many of us on here who have broken spikes one way or another and have learnt the hard way! (for me, the one spike I've broken taught me not to constantly fiddle with the tie just after I getting back from work and so not concentrating properly!)

[Slobo]

Thanks Jenny,

Yeah, I heard so many times tender spikes have being broken.

I'll use wool tread to loosely tie down the spike and I'll be very careful handling it.

Slobo

[james mickelso]

Anything solid put in the way of the spike will make it bend upright. A rock is what I use on stubborn phal spikes and cattleya buds. As soon as I see a spike starting to grow I put a rock in it's way. It can't grow through the rock so it has to change direction and grow up. Alternatively you can use a popsicle stick or a plant tag. Keep the object between the spike and the light. You can also use the bonsai technique of heating a copper wire on the stove, quenching it in water fast, and then wrapping the wire around the spike as it grows. I have made some interestingly shaped phal spikes grow in a sort of oriental twisting movement. Look up bonsai training on the net and you can see how easy it is to bend something with wire. A pair of needle nose pliers and some copper wire can make for some very iinteresting movement. But for symplicity just use a rock.

[Slobo]

Thanks so much James. Interesting idea. I was thinking to rotate entire pot after I tied the spike so to let the spike grow toward the light.

Slobo