stick support needed?

[nicki]

i have a dendrobium. it came with 2 sticks and one of the stalks was twist tied to one. i took one of the sticks out. and figured i better ask if it's ok to not have any sticks before i remove the other? they don't have them in nature so i wasn't sure if it's needed or just for ornamental purposes.

[Lizgeo]

Sticks are normally used to support the long and heavy spikes. Sometimes, I also use sticks to stable the plant itself.

[nicki]

didn't know if it would be ok to let the plant bend or hang naturally. or if that would do harm.

[dsm]

I think the plants normally are hanging, or more-or-less horizontal, from the branches of trees, and so it should be ok, but if the spike is already blooming with heavy flowers, and has been supported all along, then I would be a little concerned about the sudden weight of unsupported flowers. JMHO. Also the question of balance with a small pot.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Most likely it is for stability of the plant. Remove it and see if your plant 'stands' or if it falls over. That is the easiest way to test it. You could also post a photo to let us see what is holding up what, but a self test is your best bet. 'Sticks' (stakes) are not required, but prove useful sometimes.

Cheers,
BD