Second orchid spike? not growing

[iqiu]

Hi guys! I'm new to this forum and kinda new to orchids.
My main focus is on phals and they're doing great on my northeast/north windowsill.
Recently I bought an orchid in spike, which is in bud right now and turns out there is another spike? Maybe...by the looks of where it's growing from I'm assuming it's another spike. But even though the budding spike is doing perfectly fine, the new spike stay in it's spot for well over a month already. Any reason to why this is happening?
I do water it when the media dries out and fertilize it once every two waterings or so. There are two pictures attached, please give a newbie some suggestions Thanks!!

Qiu

[Bud]

The plant doesn't have enough energy for two spikes, as of now they just have to take turns to come to full glory.

[iqiu]

Thanks Bud, good to know that. Been searching the web for a simple answer

[quiltergal]

It could be it's also not getting enough light. North windows typically do not provide bright enough light for flowering. The plant is probably trying to decide if it wants to grow more leaves so it can make more chlorophyll.

[katrina]

I think it looks more like a root than a spike. You are talking about the growth on the opposite side of the spike, right?

[WhiteRabbit]

I also thought it may be a root - but I'm not certain.

I've bloomed some phals (and some others) in a north facing window, but may be insufficient light for some.

[iqiu]

Katrina-Yes, its the growth opposite of the spike.
I would think that a root might not be stalling for so long and the shape of the growth does not look like a root much because it actually has a node forming, which I'm not sure if u can see it clearly in the picture.
The only thing that I'm not confident about is the light my orchids are getting, but my one and only oncidium seems to be putting out new growths like crazy...Then again, it might be just putting out new growths but when it comes to flowering, I'll just take my chances.
Thanks for the replies guys...I'll stick to the 'insufficient light' yheory

[mattryan]

Definitely looks like a new spike to me. I have a phal right now that's been in bloom 4 months and is growing a new spike and it's in a north facing window. It might be because the other spike's flowers aren't fully finished growing, once they are open maybe it will resume growing the spike. I've had my bellina twice quit growing a spike now. Very frustrating, but my spikes weren't very far along before they started drying up . Goodluck with yours!

Cheryl

[katrina]

Originally Posted by iqiu

Katrina-Yes, its the growth opposite of the spike.
I would think that a root might not be stalling for so long...

To my eyes that looks like the start of a new root. It'll be interesting to see what it decides it's going to be. Be sure and keep us posted.

BTW -- Sometimes roots do stall...it's not the norm but it does happen once in awhile.

[iqiu]

Cheryl! I'm wondering if you grow your bellina on your north-facing window as well because I have a seedling that only have 2 leaves left! and have burnts in them..it's not dying..but it's not doing anything as well...I'm thinking giving up on it, but really don't want to.