Question
I have had beautiful Phalaenopsis, 揃rother Lancer,?for five years.  This year it produced two spikes with multiple branches and lots of blossoms, most of which are open now.  Unfortunately, the bamboo lattice that I rigged to support the spikes has caused one of the spikes to bend.  (The lattice consists of two bamboo stakes anchored in the orchid media with another bamboo rod tied at the top of those two with raffia條ooks sort of like football goal posts.)  Each spike is tied to one of the vertical stakes, but also rests across the horizontal rod.

All was fine until this morning.  I looked on the lanai, and saw that one of the spikes, which had been resting across the thinnest portion of the horizontal rod, had bent at that juncture, and the top of the spike was touching the table.  The spike did not break, but is clearly damaged at the bend.  I have carefully restaked the spike, and supported it above and below the bend.  Is there anything else I can do other than hope?  A plaster cast, super glue, anything?!?  (And resolve never again to place an orchid spike across a thin piece of bamboo!)    

Thanks,
Linda


Answer
Linda, congratulations on your flowering success.  Supporting the bent spike above and below the bend should work fine as long as that support stabilizes the bend and prevents it from moving.  I favor spike clips if your can find them (these are spring loaded plastic clips shaped like butterflies, dragonflies, etc).  In the worst case scenario, if the damage affects sap flow to the flowers and buds on that spike, the plant could produce a new spike branch below the injury.  Is this a form of plant intelligence?