is this situation with spikes familiar to anyone?

[greenpassion]

I have this phalaenopsis that put up 2 spikes. Because of the growing situation with the leaves I realized it will be impossible to stake the spikes. The leaves flow over the edges of the pot and there is just no way I could do that. So I turned it to the other direction under the lights so that when it blooms that won't be in a dis advantageous position. Now I see that the Twin Tower spikes are looking like they're going to run into each other or criss cross. I don't dare move it back for fear of confusing it even more than I have already done. So I have devised an item that I will place between the two spikes within the next few days if it does look like as it blooms they're going to criss cross with each other and screw up the flowers trying to bloom.

[greenpassion]

the pictures did not actually come out in sequence but that doesn't matter. I placed it between the two spikes just to show you how it will look. It is made obviously, with two flossers cut down and taped together. If this will be harmful please chime in!

[reptilegrrl]

I think it would look nice if they crossed, actually. I am not sure your device will stop them from leaning inward, but it will be interesting to see.

[katrina]

Clever! If it doesn't work...there are stakes that attach to the sides of pots, like rhizome clips. I get mine from Kelleys Korner. Actually, I get all my wire products from them.

[greenpassion]

I have the same steaks Katrina but the way this Phal is growing you can't even get to the edges of the pots without damaging the huge leaves. It's a beautiful plant but staking it is quite a quandary. I could just let them go and hang and flop and do whatever they want naturally but I have many other phalaenopsis all around this one. These are all under my LED lighting and I don't want the light from these flower spikes to be blocked from them.

[katrina]

Gotcha on the leaves. I'm with you...I like to have my upright spikes staked. It's neater and the display is nicer. Sometimes though, they can make it very difficult.

I've resorted to putting spikes where I can and then using zip ties (or twisty tie type material) and anchoring it to the stake and then looping around the spike and then back to the stake. Like a long anchor wire, if that makes sense. It doesn't stabilize the spike as well as normal but it helps...it def works to keep spikes from banging into each other.

[greenpassion]

They are constant challenge aren't they🙄

[Dollythehun]

I have seen Gardners do that with shrubs and fruit trees. Usually they start earlier so the branches are trained in the path they are wanted. However, I think you very cleverly repurposed an otherwise useless item. ( And now we all know you floss). 😁Great job.

[greenpassion]

!!