Tie up Big Orchid Leaves on a Cattleya?

[DEC]

I have several very large Cattleyas that have broad, long leaves. The leaves are so large they affect the stability of the pot and are also succectable to being broken. Is it okay to tie these leaves up by attaching them to a stake? This would put the leaves in a vertical position.
Thanks

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Sure, Dave, it is fine to tie them up. We do so with the cattleyas we grow hanging in the greenhouse for space purposes. It also helps keep them orderly when they bloom. When tying the to the stake, make a loop around the leaves individually or in a group of two and then pull that section to the stake and tie it off. The loop around the p-bulbs should be loose so as to not cut into the plant.

Cheers,
BD

[Halloamey]

I usually like to put a stake in the pot and loosely tie the developing pseudobulb to the stake. This way the pseudobulb also grows straight and then the leaves automatically form a nice crown rather than going every where. The key is to tie very early lon when the pseudobulb is still quite pliable but loosely so as not to damage and tighten the developing pseudobulb.