Cymbidium Orchid Staking Instructions?

This guide provides step-by-step instructions and expert tips on how to stake Cymbidium orchids for optimal growth. Staking orchid flower spikes is crucial for their proper flowering and can help reduce the risk of damage, especially if the orchid produces long spikes. To stake a flower spike correctly, use slipknots (one for each flower) and ensure that the spikes are above the leaves.

To care for a cymbidium orchid, provide very bright light (around 4,000 fc), keep temperatures above 58ᵒ F (14ᵒ C) at night, and maintain a temperature between 75ᵒ to 85ᵒ F (23ᵒ to 29ᵒ C) during the day. The blooms of a Cymbidium Orchid last longer if temperatures stay between 60-70 degrees. Staking the flower spikes ensures that the blooms are above the leaves.

Some growers train their cymbidium spikes upright using hat elastic, with a slipknot tied at one end of a 20 cm length of hat elastic and pulled tight just below the penultimate bud (second from the top). The other end is slipped beneath the metal spring of a wooden clothes peg. When staking arching spikes, only tie the stake off at or near the bottom bud of the spike and let the spike do its own thing after that.

An effective way to straighten a leaning spike into an upright position is to use a long piece of twisty tie, which can be tightened gradually every few days. You may need to sit the pot up on another inverted pot or on the edge of the bench to allow space. Weights can be hung on the spike to encourage it downwards.

In summary, this guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to stake Cymbidium orchids, including inserting stakes into the orchid pot, attaching spikes to the stake, and placing the plant where it receives bright but diffuse light, such as through a pine tree or shrub in early morning or afternoon.