Staking Paphiopedilum

[aramina12]

I bout a paph two years ago when it was about to bloom. It wasn't staked and did fine. Now it finally has buds again, but the spike is bending over a lot. I read some things that made me hesitant, so I'm posting. Is it okay to stake a paph? Will it hurt it if it's done too early? (I've attached a picture of the spike. I believe if it were straight, it's nearing 2 inches.)

[silken]

Your Paph is probably fine as many do bend over like that at first. If it gets taller and needs support you can stake it on the stem. Don't clip it too close up behind the flower until it is open as it is the ovary and needs to keep developing. It will look a bit swollen right at the top of the spike where the flower starts and you don't want to pinch it while it is still growing.