Do I need to "rescue" this spike?

[PaphLover]

...or will it straighten out on its own?

This is my first rebloom of this plant, so I don't know the normal course of things. I have one spike that's happily growing straight up, but this one seems like it's being constrained. Poor thing is all wonky.

Just let it be, and it'll eventually outgrow its confining space and straighten out?

[Dollythehun]

Paphlover. Keep in mind I am a novice. I have had my Oncidiums and a Wilsonara do this repeatedly and this is what I do: I VERY gently insert a butter knife (or other dull object) between the sheath and the scape. I bump the scape VERY gently and usually, it comes free. I have actually had the same question as you so maybe I am doing it wrong and someone can enlighten both of us. Also, I wondered why this happens.

[estación seca]

Normally a spike would expand because of water being pumped into it by the plant, and force its way through the gap in the leaf. But if the plant is a little dry at the important time, this can't happen. The spike bends as it continues to grow, and the tip remains stuck. I also would release it.

[Dollythehun]

Thank you. My leaves are never pleated but, this plant is pretty pot bound. I've thought about dividing or bumping up but, it is pretty healthy and frequently blooming. You are one smart cookie!

[estación seca]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

Thank you. My leaves are never pleated but, this plant is pretty pot bound. I've thought about dividing or bumping up but, it is pretty healthy and frequently blooming. You are one smart cookie!

I've just killed and maimed a lot of plants over my lifetime.

[PaphMadMan]

I would open up the restricting leaf base, then let the spike develop however it will from that point. Doing anything to manipulate the spike itself is risky.

[PaphLover]

Thanks all!