Stalk or Droop?

[cjm3fl]

Most times when I purchase an orchid, and it's in bloom or has a flower stalk, the flower stalk is secured to a support of some kind.

Several of mine are not "staked" and I allow the flower stalk to droop.
I think it's a lovely way to show of my orchids...a cascade of blooms.

So I'm trying to make this a 'pole'. (edit: and it worked)
Do you guy stake your stalks or let the droop?

[Subrosa]

I normally let spikes droop, but if the plant blooms while it's inside I may well stake a spike in the interests of space.

[cjm3fl]

1st pole option is supposed to be "Staked"...
Seems it's something I can't correct in 'edit'

Sorry for the typo

[fishmom]

If I had the room I would grow everything as it grows in nature, but I have no greenhouse and my orchids live on windowsills during the winter. I stake the spikes for the sake of saving space and for balance.

[estación seca]

It depends on the plant. Some have strong, flexible spikes that are fine on their own. Some display flowers well without staking. Others need a little help.

[Orchid Whisperer]

All of my Phalaenopsis cascade naturally. I sometimes stake other genera if they seem to need it, but staking is still rare.

[ccrow]

I mostly stake, like fishmom for space and balance.

[No-Pro-mwa]

For my phals I like to try and manipulate as the spikes grow so that they come up over the top of the plant. Some seem to get to heavy when the blooms start to open so then I will stake them. I know I'm not suppose to move them but I do. I like to be able to see the blooms so I like them up in the air. But some of them need no staking to keep the blooms up a bit.

I stake both my phrags as I am not going to take a chance on breaking the spike. And the same has been true to the paphs I have bloomed. I have 2 Onc. that have very tall spikes that I turn them so they are more straight in the air. I am hoping to not have to stake but I guess only time will tell.

[Cym Ladye]

For me, it all depends on the genus and the best way to "show off" the blooms. As Cyms are my primary genus, some are staked straight up, especially those with short inflorescences, to get the flowers out of the foliage. Some are staked and then allowed to arch at the top. Others naturally go up with a short support and then are pendulous from below the first flower. Some are totally pendulous as they come out of the media. The important thing to consider is balance in giving the flower the best chance of showing to its full potential.

[cjm3fl]

Interesting results so far.

A majority of those the voted do both.
Those that picked staked vs drooped are about evenly divided.