Why do we stake flower spike?
 

I am asking this because I have an Slc 'Maria Nohava' that has bloomed and isn't staked. It seems like at the 'segments' of the spike there is some sap or something. Was wondering if it's possible that the weight of the flowers damaged the spike or something. Just never seen sap like that before from an Orchid.

Orchid growers that produce/sell orchids with long spikes stake them in part for appearance, but also in part so that plants can be grown close together without damaging the spikes. It is not needed by the plant. My personal preference is to let the spikes grow and arch naturally.

The droplets of sap that you are seeing are an indication of a happy plant. Don't be concerned about it, but you can rinse it off if you think it might attract ants or other insects.

Hmm. Wouldn't have guessedit was happiness leaking from it! It's been a long winter here in NJ and this one seems to be taking it the worst. It's leaves are starting to yellow just a bit. Guess it's happy enough though!

Thanks Orchid Whisperer!

Spikes are staked to set the flowers so that they "present" well (visually appealing presentation), as well managing long spikes which can cause potted plants to become very likely to topple, and can be hard to manage in one's growing area, handling the plant, etc.

Spikes are unlikely to break from the weight of blooms, tho longer, bloom laden spikes will bow.

Sap is normal on healthy spikes, buds.

Generally, Catt spikes don't "need" to be staked. Spikes either aren't very long, or in cases of long spikes, tend to be very upright anyway. Of course, no spikes "need" to be staked, that is done for ourselves. Right now I have quite a few orchids blooming (Cyms, Oncids, - which are often staked), all with unstaked spikes. :)

I stake mine so I don't accidently break one.

I try not to stake, unless I have to transport the plant to a show or AOS judging.

Stake for two reasons.
1.Protection of the spikes. Many do break due to their own weight.
2. Better presentation.

I do not stake cattleyas, dendrobiums and oncidiums. I have never had any that break.
I must stake phalaenopsis. I generally stake my paphiopedilums. Some break if not staked, and some for better orientation.

I know everyone's experiences are different so my experience may not be reasonable to everyone. I used to stake my phals until a few years ago. My chids go out into the screen porch for the summer--they are next to a wall and generally protected from high winds. But, one summer a sudden freak wind storm came up, we missed the tornado, but had high wind. Many of my phals were still in bloom and blew over; the only spikes that broke were the ones that were staked. Since then I haven't staked any of my phals and I haven't had any spikes break. That being said, I do stake my Brassia Rex "Sakata" and a few of my noid oncidiums because they have extremely long spikes that are rather thin and bend all over the place--I don't have enough room for that.

Thank you for all the input! I would prefer to let them grow naturally personally. I have plenty of window space, for now, so some spreading out would be great. I'm sure space will become an issue eventually tho!

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I think it's mostly a matter of personal preference. I stake because I like the presentation better. Some plants with short spikes may not need staking.