Stem support

[Zoe]

I bought 3 orchid plants at a super store a few days ago, and they all have sticks supporting their stems.
Are the sticks necessary, will the stem fall / snap without them?

[Brutal_Dreamer]

The sticks (stakes) are only necessary to support the blooming spike. The orchids will be fine without the stakes, but will take up a lot more space.

Cheers,
BD

[Zoe]

If I remove the stakes now, will the orchids be okay? I'm worried that because they grew with the stakes, the stem won't be able to handle the weight of the bloom. But I like the swooping orchid stem look, so if they'll be okay without them, I'll remove the stakes.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

If I remove the stakes now, will the orchids be okay? I'm worried that because they grew with the stakes, the stem won't be able to handle the weight of the bloom. But I like the swooping orchid stem look, so if they'll be okay without them, I'll remove the stakes.

I would give it a try. Just let the spike down gently. If it looks like it is going to snap, then you will have to wait until the next blooming to enjoy the swooping look.

Cheers,
BD