Something Different?

[BikerDoc5968]

I noticed this new growth on the end of an old spike. Usually I try to cut them but must have missed this. Now not only is there a new flower opening on the end but a keiki and root have grown and what appears to be a "misguided" flower. I've never seen this, but then again there's lots I haven't seen Anyway, thought this was different, but maybe not.....

[ronaldhanko]

A little bit of everything on this spike.

[nhman]

Wow, way cool!

[hrrush]

Very interesting. Orchids are just so amazing

[mollycart1]

WOW!!! That's very interesting.

[Leisurely]

This is apparently not uncommon because I have had it happen more than once, particularly on Phal. equestris. It seems that the plant can't quite decide whether to continue blooming or make a new growth. I recently had this occur on Aerangis citrata. I wonder what the theory is about what triggers a plant to make a new growth on a flower spike whether at the tip or farther down on a node. It must have something to do with preservation.

[Brooke]

I have it on Phal. pulchra and javanica multiple times.

Brooke

[CoolPhrog]

Life finds a way

[snow]

it,s all about survival. wonderfull photo,s Howard'' .

[rogerman]

I never cut my old Phal spikes for this reason.... I've been able to grow the keiki's and hence multiply the plants..... Always good to get something for nothing