About Staking Orchids

Timing

• It's best to stake orchids before the plant blooms, because the added weight of the bloom can pull down the stem even more. Stake the plant before the plant is fully established, suggests the My Orchid Care website, and then add supports as the plant grows.

Supplies

• Although you can use almost any study material to stake your orchids, it's best to choose supplies that will blend in with the plant and be less noticeable. For example, you can use twigs, bamboo skewers or green-painted wire, which look similar to the coloring of the orchid foliage. Use a twist tie, soft twine or raffia to guide the stem near the stake. Some florists use small hair clips to attach the stem to the support, which are easy to adjust on the stem. Avoid using harsh wires that may cut into the flesh of the stem.

Instructions

• Stake the plant while it is growing to train the stem to grow upright. Use one support tie for every 4 inches of growth, and add more supports as the plant continues to grow. Stop adding supports once the plant starts to bud and bloom. Snip off the top of the stake 2 inches above the last tie; this height adds adequate support without calling attention to the stake.

Care

• Care for your orchid by placing it in a south-facing window to ensure it receives adequate light levels. You'll know your orchid is healthy by the color of the leaves; healthy orchid foliage looks light to medium green, notes Kent Kobayashi from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Avoid poorly sealed windows that may expose your orchids to drafts. Increase humidity for the orchid by misting the air near the plant, or by setting it near other potted plants. Although most orchids prefer a brief dry spell between waterings, exact watering methods will depend upon the type of orchid you have.