How do you manage to stake the flower stems?

5 years ago

I'm talking about simple phals. First, how do you manage to get the supporting dowel rod into the media so that it will stand straight and be secure in that position? I'm always afraid I'm going to damage roots when I push in the dowel, and then it always leans -- there isn't much good purchase for the dowel rod in bark pieces.

And then how do you manage to bend the stiff flower stem enough so that you can attach it to the dowel rod for upright growth? Starting with a crooked dowel and adding a crooked flower stem just doesn't seem right, so I give up and let mine hang naturally. :p

Featured Answer

Billsc

5 years ago

They are not as popular as they used to be, but the old orchid pot hangers were great for this. They were made from heavy galvanized steel wire. You could get singles or doubles. The singles had only one clip to attach to the pot, the doubles had a clamp on both sides of the pot. both came up above the pot to a hook so you could make the pot a hanging pot. I keep several of these around for staking long spikes to. have one in use right now for a 4' tall Voo Doo plant. If your spike is small enough, you could use coat hanger wire. My wife says I could build a battleship out of those things if I could get enough of them. The little butterfly clips are great for attaching the spike to either of these wire devices.

I find sticking the stake into the pot right down the inside of the clay/plastic is helpful. The slanted side of the pot then makes the stake lean away from the center of the pot, and the weight of the spike and flowers pulls the spike toward the center of the pot against all of the potting media. Ya' just have to use a bit of ingenuity sometimes. Oh, seldom will you find a Phal. in nature with a bloom spike anywhere close to vertical. They usually hang off a limb with the spike starting out horizontal then leaning downward as the blooms open and add weight. If they grow on a rock face or tree trunk, the crown of the plant usually grows pointing downward, and the roots growing pretty much upward on the trunk. So, you are correct, it can be a real chore getting the spike contorted around so it will put its beautiful blooms in a position for optimum viewing in your living room. I know I have been forced deep into my Navy vocabulary a few times with little success in getting an ornery Phal. to cooperate with my desires.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

bonsai_citrus_and_indoor_gardening
5 years ago
As long as your dowel is blunt you can usually feel around for spaces between the roots and gently move them to insert the dowel. Or you can wire or glue the stick to the outside of the pot nearest the spike. I use jute twine to gently bend the spike towards the stick and make it tighter as I get the bloom spike closer.
party_music50 thanked bonsai_citrus_and_indoor_gardening
Related Professionals
Ardmore Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Spartanburg Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Minneapolis Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Janesville Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Mobile Landscape Contractors · Quincy Landscape Contractors · Hagerstown Landscape Contractors · Spring Landscape Contractors · Worcester Landscape Contractors · Watertown Landscape Contractors · Lake Havasu City Landscape Contractors · Indianapolis General Contractors · Aiken General Contractors · Traverse City General Contractors · Laconia General Contractors
party_music50
Original Author
5 years ago
@bonsai_citrus_and_indoor_gardening and @Billsc, thank you both so much! What you've both said is extremely helpful to me!
jane__ny
4 years ago
You don't state where you live and grow. I lived in NY and grew orchids inside and out. I kept them out until they showed signs of spiking and they would come in for the winter.

Inside, I used octopus lamps for my Phals. I used them because I wanted perfect presentation of the flowers. I put thin stakes into the pots close to the emerging spike. I kept the light (from windows, then lamp) always in the same direction. I always wanted a beautiful presentation of the flowers.

I would push the stakes down into the media and didn't really worry about hurting roots. It's the only way you can grow the spikes to get a beautiful presentation. Never turn the plant, keep it always in the same position to get the buds to form properly.

The slight damage to the roots never affected my plants. When Phals are in spiking mode they will grow those spikes no matter what. Light is the most important factor. Always keep the plant facing in one position. Do not change the direction facing the light, whether from window or lights.

I would slowly tie the spike to the stake with soft cotton yarn while it grew. After the spike matured and grew to a large size, I would remove the yarn. That could be months.

Its fun growing spikes with a simple octopus floor lamp and training the spike the way you want it to grow.

Now in Florida, I just let the sun do it. I never move the position of the plant when it begins to spike, but I always stake it. I don't worry about the roots.

Jane
party_music50
Original Author
4 years ago
Thanks for the info, Jane. I could tell immediately that they don't like their lighting orientation changed. lol! Gorgeous photo!!!
jane__ny
4 years ago
I agree with Bill, that those hangers were so helpful, I still have a bunch and do use them. You could use a thin wire to a beginning spike and then move up to a stake or even a wire hanger. The trick is to never move the plant. The buds will face the light. I used to put a small piece of painters blue tape to the front of the pot or use a black marker, to make sure the pot didn't change direction.

It really makes such a nice presentation. Always start out with a soft yarn to gently coax the spike in the direction you want. Never force it. Best to start early in the spike development.

Have fun!

Jane