First of all, let me just say how much I LOVE IT HERE. You all are a-ma-zing! This is a fabulous community, and I love the open, respectful debates. I've learned so much!
So here's my question. I have a Phal Mariae that is currently in spike. It's a little guy; first time in spike...the spike is about 2 and a half inches with no buds on it yet. As you probably already know, the Mariae has that pendulous-type spike that just sort of flops over, and currently it's just lying on my bark, with the very tip hanging over the edge of the pot. I'm wondering if there would be any benefit to staking it.
I'm already super-careful when I water the plant to make sure the spike isn't resting in any standing wetness. But still, I'm concerned that when it goes to bud, I may be dealing with bud blast from the spike sitting on moist media. And then when the little guy flowers, how do I keep the flowers at the base of the spike from getting smooshed if it's lying on the bark and the outer blooms are weighing it down?
I've never grown a "pendulous" bloomer before, so I'm not quite sure how to handle the difference in form. Should I stake it semi-upright, or will that destroy the natural beauty of the form of this unique species?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much!
Smiles, Jenn