Phal - My first spike

[sewcrazy64]

This is so exciting! I have my very first bloom spike that has grown under my care!



Please tell me how to stake it and how tall it should be when I stake it. Also, how do I get the blooms to line up along the stems in a uniform presentation? In other words, how do I keep them from twisting in all different directions?

Thanks,
Dana

[orchidaddict789]

Yay! Congrats with getting your first spike! I like to be gentle with my spikes--when they're about 5-6" long I lightly tie them to a stake, and let them arch naturally. I know some people who tie their spikes tightly to the stakes in order to train them to be perfectly straight. Or you can do something in between.

Don't move your plant, especially when buds are appearing...if you do move it, try to return it to the original location and direction. Flowers try to orient themselves towards the light, so if you move/rotate your plant around, they can get "confused" and face all different directions.

[delphiguy]

congratulations and good growing.... post some photos when it blooms...
as for the tips, the previous poster has given you great advice.

[cindiras]

Way to go Dana!

[Cjcorner]

There's nothing better than finding a new spike! Congrats...can't wait to see it in bloom!

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Congratulations!! Nice growing.

Cheers,
BD