How to 'guide' phal spike

[Cerey]

My phal sogo yukidian is growing a flower spike. Is there any special care I need to give the plant, regarding lighting and temperature? I know they need colder temperatures to initiate flower spike, but how about once it is already growing? How can I make it so that the spike grows straight up and not horizontal?

[Bud]

Welcome and Hello!
Sit back and relax, read postings from other members and learn from their wealth of knowledge from years of growing orchids.
You need a bamboo stick or any sturdy stick with a plastic clip or a coated wire to train the spike to grow erect. Do not force it; little by little ease the spike on the stick one day at a time.
Also read:
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ends-here.html

[RosieC]

I agree with bud. Just make sure any clips are loose so that the spike can grow through them. A loop of wire is best so that it does not grip too tight.

[Val]

The spike always grows towards the light, so you might be tempted to rotate the pot in order to 'persuade' the spike to grow straight.

From the moment when the buds are formed, rotating the pot could only result in flowers opening in various directions, causing a messy display. So choose a pot posision relative to the light source, and stick with it.

[Cerey]

Originally Posted by Val

The spike always grows towards the light, so you might be tempted to rotate the pot in order to 'persuade' the spike to grow straight.

From the moment when the buds are formed, rotating the pot could only result in flowers opening in various directions, causing a messy display. So choose a pot posision relative to the light source, and stick with it.

Ah, thank you! Does rotating the pot before bud formation affect the flowers as well?

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by Cerey

Ah, thank you! Does rotating the pot before bud formation affect the flowers as well?

As long as there are no buds, rotating the plant is fine, it won't affect the future blooms at all. I usually do the rotating thing because there is no risk of snapping spikes! But ever since I got lights for some of the plants I try to put spiking Phals under it as the strong light from above usually keeps them growing straight.