To stick or not to stick...

[Tephrochr]

I'm on my second year with this phal and as I was new to it, it seemed important to me to continue on with whatever conditions the store had created for it - but since re-potting and seeing the awful condition the roots were in because the medium had gotten sour, and seeing how much better it's doing now, I totally question the "ways of the store."

More to the point, I was wondering if I 'ought to get a pole of some kind or another to support my phal's spike. It's in the beginning stages of flowering, and I wonder if they're heavy enough that a support would be needed. Any thoughts?

[Brutal_Dreamer]

It is a good idea to stake a flower spike so that your blooms are displayed in the most attractive way possible. That said, if your orchid is growing where it doesn't move, a natural spike can be really lovely. I have seen mounted phals that hang down and have beautiful spikes that hang below the plant. It is all in how you decide to grow your plants.

Good luck. And welcome to OrchidTalk!

Cheers,
BD