Hi Jenny and welcome to GoY. The shoots will bend over... for all the info you need on growing phalaenopsis go to GoYpedia below. Click on 'P' and then go to phalaenopsis. Look for Spritzhenry's very informative blog on the topic titled 'Awkward Orchids'

If you can get sticks into the compost near the new stems, then you may be able to fasten them onto the supporting sticks with those special clips that were probably on the first stems. If you can get them clipped on, you'll find that you can slide the clips up the stems a little which will help to support the stems.

You are right to be cautious, though - only 'ease' the stems a little way - otherwise, just leave them - it's better than risking snapping them off!

I'm afraid that they don't respond to light sources like other plants, as you've discovered! Good luck.

Are you sure they are flower spikes? they could be arial roots, in fact that is what it sounds like to me! a flower spike will grow straight and you will see the buds on it.

Thank you all for your quick and helpful responses. They are definitely flower spikes, they are brown and have buds. There are also two aerial roots (pale green) competing for air space though! I have managed to slide those original supports in very near to the spikes, however getting the clips anywhere near to them is going to be a challenge! Maybe I could loop some ribbon gently around the spike and through the clip and then tighten it a little every now and then, what does everyone think? (Of course exercising caution)

You can try but risk breaking off the flower stem.

Yes, be very careful! At least that should give the stems 'some' support when the flowers open and they get heavy enough to topple the pot over!

Not sure if it helps in this case, but at Wyevale the other day I noticed they stock these rather nice perspex sticks with 'curls' at several points up them for supporting Phal flower spikes - they look a nice alternative to the usual sticks and hair clips thing! They come in pale pink or blue.

Thanks again everyone for your advice and suggestions. I will have a look for those curly supports next time I'm in a garden centre Sid, thanks. In the meantime I've made some little ribbon 'slings' which I've tied to the clips on the stick supports and around the flower spike (see my pic) so I can gently slide them upwards if any slack appears. I'll let you know how this goes. Now I'll go back to ignoring the plant altogether, it seems to grow best when I don't peer at it too often! Happy 2010 to you all.

LOL you're welcome!

I looked - I don't think the stems will topple the pot over, as it's a pretty sturdy one.