Is it a bud?

I noticed some roundish growth started on the left bottom spike of my Haraella retrocalla. Would that be a bud forming?

Thanks

[Paul Mc]

I have two of these, and generally when you see a round growth on the old flower stalks it does mean a new flower bud development. My oldest one has three spikes like your's and my newest one has two. It has been quite the prolific show in my terrarium - more so than most of the others in there, lol...

Good growing!!!! Enjoy the flower!!!!

[nenella]

Hi, If you are referring to the round 'thing' on the left of your photo to me it looks like a root ... Infact I see 3 lovely roots growing out of your pot.
Your plant looks lovely and healthy & I'm sure it will flower for you probably next 'season'. Keep us posted as Paul says once they start flowering they go on and on blooming.

[quiltergal]

Nenella, it looks to me like that growth has old flower bracts on it. It also looks like both spikes are starting to grow a root from the end. Weird!

[Starla]

I would say these are all just aerial roots!

[Paul Mc]

Ok, so I have re-evaluated my previous statement after checking my own two. As an FYI, my roots are buried in sphag as they are mounted so I cannot see them and judge what the roots actually look like.

However, I did look at the flower spikes that I have and they look nothing like what I thought yours were. They are fairly smooth and not nearly as rough looking.

If I had to reguess based upon this, I would say you're looking at roots. Sorry... I know it's a bummer to hear that...

I would expect to see new flowers starting next year - especially if you just got this one as it is probably still getting used to your environment. It took mine many months to get used to their new environments and they haven't stopped blooming since.

As a side note, my research would indicate that since they are such prolific bloomers that you should fertilize them regularly. Otherwise, they will bloom themselves to death.

Thank you for your opnions everyone!
These three growths are old spikes, at least they have bracts from the old flowers.
I will hope for the flower, but will take whatever it will grow .