if it looks like a dead dry stick its prob a dead flower spike, if its brown but not dry and brittle then its prob a live flower spike. The question is, what kind of plant and has it already bloomed on that spike
I was wondering the same thing. I have 3 phals, 2 from HD with brown stems and 1 from a local grower with a nice green stem. I assumed the 1 from the local guy was just healthier but I guess I was wrong.
The colour of the blooms will determine the colour of the leaf and I'm guessing the stem as well. I have a white Phal that has green leaves and a dark green spike, i also have a really dark Phal (it looks like someone put molasses in a spray gun and sprayed the flower) and the leaves are a darker green and have reddish splotches all over them and the flower stalk it a dark burgundy/brown. It really depends on the flower. A picture would help.