Stake a paphi

[RoseSD]

Originally Posted by estación seca

I do my best to pot them upright, then I don't worry about it again. They grow however they wish.

What if the spike fall forward because of the plant?
Also, how do you stake the flower on paphi?

[estación seca]

Sorry, I didn't see the flower when first viewing on my phone. When the spike is emerging, like now, gently push a narrow but sturdy stake into the medium, to the bottom of the pot. As the spike emerges very gently and loosely tie it to the stake. You can tighten it later when it is longer and more flexible. The chopstick is too short and too far away for that bud. I save the stakes when I buy orchids in flower, disinfect them and re-use.

[Roberta]

Note well what ES said about "loose". You want to guide the spike not strangle it. Paph spikes tend to straighten out as they develop, tall ones may just need a little support as the heavy bud develops. But again, it tends to straighten out (and face outward) anyway as it opens. You don't want to distort its natural presentation