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jenny44

By Jenny44

Kent, United Kingdom

Hello, I have an orchid which finished flowering and that spike died back so I cut it off. I was sad it may not flower again but a few weeks ago I noticed two new spikes about 20cm in length. The only problem is that they are already bending over slightly. I turned the pot around so the new spikes are facing away from the sun, in the hope that as they grew back towards it, they would end up standing straighter. Nope! They're just getting longer and bending more. I am scared of touching them too much in case they snap. (I tend to kill plants so I've been forbidden from even talking to it!) Any help out there? Thanks, Jenny


On plant Phalaenopsis


Answers

 

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'

28 Dec, 2009

 

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.

28 Dec, 2009

 

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.

28 Dec, 2009

 

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)

28 Dec, 2009

 

You can try but risk breaking off the flower stem.

29 Dec, 2009

 

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!

29 Dec, 2009

Sid
Sid
 

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.

29 Dec, 2009

 

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.

29 Dec, 2009

Sid
Sid
 

LOL you're welcome!

29 Dec, 2009

 

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

29 Dec, 2009

How do I say thanks?

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