is this a spike developing?

[PJG]

Hi everyone,

Being very very new to this, I had repotted this orchid ages ago because it had green leaves. And roots growing out all over the place.

My thinking, keep it alive because it still looks OK (green leaves).

It's also been outside (I think they like San Diego), but a couple of days ago I looked at it, and there is "I think" a spike happening. I wasn't sure if it was another root. I've never seen a spike beginning.
If you look at the photo you can see it protruding from the bottom left leaf. I keep saying it looks like a worm. That's the my technical term.
My close up shots get blurred.

Does it look like a spike? And I have no idea what this orchid was either. I would say phal, (from photo's and reading) but I don't remember it's type of blooms.

Peter

hey I'm trying, I have 5 orchids, you have now seen 3 of 5.

[whygreenberg]

Hi, Peter!

You do appear to have a Phalaenopsis there. However, my opinion as to the "worm" emerging on the left is that it's a root. Actively growing roots on a Phal will have either a bright green or reddish tip, and the rest of its length will be white – the white coating is velamen which allows the root to suck moisture from the air.

You must be doing ok with this guy because he looks quite healthy, and active root growth is a really great thing.

Cheers!

[Bird Song Farm]

That's a healthy looking Phalaenopsis but your worm sure looks like a root to me.
Roots are good things, give it time.
Al

[PJG]

Hey guy's,
well that's a bust, but I have good patience.

I thought it might be a spike because on the other side there is a greenish thing (LOL) starting which I believe to be a root. Different colors and size from my worm. hehe

Peter

[Bird Song Farm]

Hi Peter,
Sorry to let you down. When a spike starts to emerge it looks like a mitten. As if it has a little thumb on it. It needs to be about a quarter inch long to be sure but you will see the difference.

Hang in there.
AL

[Edit] Oh, a spike usually points/grows up whereas a root grows out and/or down.

[peggypugsmom]

Thank you Bird Song, for the "mitten" description...that means the 1 inch growth that WAS coming from my naked phal spike was a new spike...it looked like a mitten!!! But, no matter, it got 'knocked' off..by accident, while tending to other plants around it!...At least now I know for sure! and what to expect in the future!..Eileen

[bellini girl]

Peter, don't give up. When I first started growing orchids I thought any and everything that emerged from the bottom up was a spike. They were mostly roots. Good news is , once you start getting them, you'll recognize them easily enough. In the mean time, get out there and buy some more orchids.

Lecent

[whygreenberg]

Good call, Al, on the mitten/thumb description!

[Vanessa]

Nice and healthy Phal ya got there! I "see" more orchids in your future.

[Lagoon]

Your phal looks nice and healthy - congrats
Roots are good! I know you wish is was a spike, give it time - it'll come
Here's a photo from my gallery to show you the difference between root and spike (you already know the root)
The mitty thing ..... Click on it for a larger view.