Does Paph. delenatii Spike Need Staking?

[cb977]

Terri, if you decide to stake it...a word of warning...
be v-e-r-y careful! Last year, after waiting oh-so-long for one of my paphs to rebloom, I watched the spike growing day by day and decided to "help" it by staking it. I thought I was being careful but guess I was w-r-o-n-g because next thing I knew, I was holding the bud in my hand!

[quiltergal]

Don't worry Sue! I read your tale of woe a few weeks ago. That's what prompted me to ask this question. If it doesn't need to be staked I'm not touching it!

[cb977]

Originally Posted by quiltergal

Don't worry Sue! I read your tale of woe a few weeks ago. That's what prompted me to ask this question. If it doesn't need to be staked I'm not touching it!

Good!...'cause I get a shiver up my spine just thinking about it!

[Ross]

Originally Posted by quiltergal

Don't worry Sue! I read your tale of woe a few weeks ago. That's what prompted me to ask this question. If it doesn't need to be staked I'm not touching it!

I guess I am of the school to stake everything that has a spike over 6". The secret is to get the stake in right now and use the little dragonfly (or butterfly) clips while the spike is still soft. I'm not trying to say to stake it, but if you so-choose, do it early. I stake just about all my orchid spikes (just me).