OMG - is this a SPIKE?

[BobInBonita]

Probably a root.

Spikes usually form further up on the plant.

Another possibility is a side branch. I have two (a vanda and an ascocenda) that formed side branches that looked similar at first, but root is more likely. Both with side shoots were bag-babies that had probably been abused.

I've had Ascocenda bloom with about 18 leaves, but I think Vandas generally are bigger at bloom.