Question
QUESTION: Wayne,

I have several Phals which had grown sideways when I bought them although its spike was nice and straight up.

This year, one of them has a couple of spikes which are growing sideways and am wondering what, if anything, I can do. For now, I am planning to put a stake to hold the spike up.

My phals are very healthy, I have treated all my orchids with fungicide and insectide as of late. I have my orchids, including the cymbidiums in my garage; I live in Orlando. I water them once per week and feed them 20-20-20 year round.

http://71.42.14.237/caripito/images/orchids/Phal1.JPG
http://71.42.14.237/caripito/images/orchids/Phal2.JPG
http://71.42.14.237/caripito/images/orchids/Phal3.JPG
http://71.42.14.237/caripito/images/orchids/Phal4.JPG

Please let me know your thoughts.
Angelo


ANSWER: Angelo, phalaenopsis flower spikes are phototropic and grow toward the light.  If the light is coming from a more horizontal direction (as opposed to directly overhead) the flower spike will grow more horizontally.  Another factor (I see this in one of your photos) is where the upright growth of the flower spike is blocked by an overlying leaf.  It is a good idea to train your spikes as they develop to a bamboo stake.  This should be started when the spike gets to be about 6 inches in length.  As the spike elongates, add additional twisty ties, or butterfly clips, to fasten the spike to the stake so it continues to grow upright.  Yes, your phalaenopsis look very healthy and well cared for and appear to like your growing conditions.  Thanks for sharing.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Wayne, would you suggest I remove the overlying leaf to allow for the spike to grow upwards/vertically? If so, do you put anything on the stem once you cut the leaf from it? I believe I heard folks put some kind of powder to avoid an infection.

Thanks,
Angelo


Answer
Angelo, you may be able to slip the spike to one side of the leaf and anchor it to a bamboo stake so it doesn't slip back into its old position. When staking more mature spikes, you may need to alter their course of growth gradually since they are brittle and may break if bend too much at one time.  I would remove the leaf only as a last resort.  I prefer to apply powdered sulphur to the cut ends of plants to seal them against potential fungus invasion.  Roottone powder also has a fungicide in it and could work just as well.