How do you train phal spikes!!!
 

i have a phalaenopsis thats putting up a spike (maybe 2)and the flowers on the spike it already has blooming has big heavy flowers that make it flop over so the spike can't support itself.

with the new spike(s) i want to make sure i can train them to grow straight and then curve out at the top for a more natural look. since flower spikes are VERY delicate, how can i band them to grow against a stake and attach them without damaging them?

Here i use those plastic covered "twisties" I don't know what you would call them....They have a fine wire that run through the middle....I just wrap the spike to either the wire hanger or a fibreglass stake that I put in

I use little clips which are like somewhere between an 'S' shape and a '8' shape. One half is a smaller loop than the other and that clips tight to the cane. The other half is slightly bigger and goes over the spike. It holds the spike close to the stake while allowing free movemnt of the spike to grow upwards.

When I can't get enough of those I try and fashion something similar out of fine horticultural wire. The main thing is to ensure the spike is not tightly held.

I'll try and get a pic of one of the clips in a momment to give you the idea.

That is a terrific tip! I don't know how to make the stems bend out on top, but I have mine on stakes with little clips that look like hair clips, the claw kind. I like Rosie's suggestion though. And Peter's wire idea, in theory if you use the clips that Rosie mentioned and found a stake that's bendable, you could train it to grow however you'd like.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_o4OXVkcS2VU/TF...8-07%20001.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_o4OXVkcS2VU/TF...8-07%20002.JPG

I much prefer these to the clips that grip the spike tightly as often the spike still wants to grow a bit.

If the spike is not close enough to the cane then a loose loop of string or horticultural wire that you can loop tight on the cane, then loose arround the spike to encorage it in the desired direction can be used until it grows close enough.

rosie, i have some of those clips lying around somewhere. i think thats the way to go because i dont want to risk crushing the deveoping spike with any claw clips. and at marydan.... i figure id make it just grow straight up then when it reaches the height i want, let it droop over naturally

I've got lots of those ones like mini-hair clips but I tend to avoid them as they are too tight on the spikes in my opinion.

I would advise trying to bend the spike too much or it will snap. You have to be very gentle and just encorage the tip to be pointing in the direction you want it to grow.

As for the curve at the top. I tend to find that just happens naturally. You stake it up to the point you want (usually just below the first bud for me, then let it bend naturally down from the top. It will tend to curve down naturally.

I was hesitant to use the claw clips, but the ones I ordered are kind of loose, so I didn't see a problem with them. But I am definetly going to try those S looped ones! Do you know where to order them from, or where to look?

Thank you Rosie! :bowing

I'm afraid I don't know where to get them. First off I'm in the UK, second I've got them all ON plants and just saved them all.

I also use thin wire and try and make a similar shape with it when I don't have enough of these so you can try that if you can't find them.

I think I'll try to google it. I like the idea of not restricting it, and I think I want to try a slight bend.