Bruised paph. spike - is the bud a goner?
 

I was excited about the new spike and bud that my paph has developed—the first one under my care—and I wanted to make sure that the spike would be trained properly for the most elegant display.

Unfortunately, I was a bit overzealous with attempting to secure the young spike with a twist tie. The result was that I seemingly bruised the spike. As you can see in the photo, a rather disconcerting brown patch has developed near the area where I attempted to secure the spike.

My question is whether this apparent plant tissue damage will cause the bud to fall off, or if there’s still hope for the bud and spike as it grows and strengthens. Thanks!

Take a breath. I think it might make it. Not sure but wait and see.

I agree, I think it will be fine. In retrospect though, it was way too early to worry about staking the spike. Normally I wouldn't stake a spike until it was half grown and even at that most Paphs wouldn't require it at all unless you're a windowsill grower and they're growing toward the light.

Many orchid problems can be solved with a good application of sloth.

I am a windowsill grower but I think I had an abundance of enthusiasm about staking this bud, as it was the first one under my care.

Of course the upshot is, now that I've had this experience, I will be far more cognizant in the future of what the appropriate timing is for staking a bud!