Terminal spike on Phal?

[Clifflirt]

Hi all.

I'm new to the site so please excuse any incorrect terms etc. I've been keeping orchids for a few years now and have been reading this site on and off for years but this is the first time I've needed advice, though I think I know the answer.

I have a large Phal that has three stems and 25-30 blooms. I noticed a new, unusual growth lately and various websites have suggested it's a terminal spike

Could someone kindly look at these photos and confirm it is a terminal spike? If so, do I just carry on caring for the plant and watering/feeding as normal in the hopes that a keiki appears?
Am I right in thinking that a basal keiki would be best as it will just do its own thing without needing to be replanted?

The plant itself seems quite healthy with good leaves and roots.

Thanks for any help or advice. It's a gorgeous plant, I'd really hate to see it go.

---------- Post added at 05:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:01 PM ----------

Apologies, I don't seem to have full image privileges as a new user. I have created an album and put the pictures in there if someone would be kind enough to click on my profile and go from there.

[Island Girl]

If u post 5 times, it will let u post pics

As for the spike... It looks like it is, & if it is, I would just keep it & take care of it, some ppl say it's not the end... & It can at least still have babies (Keikes)! Which is what it looks like u have forming at the top of the spike (the leaf-like thing forming), so don't throw it out just yet! You will need to wait for it to grow more, & get roots. But, hopefully someone more experienced with this will come along, & can tell u more about plants w/ terminal spikes! Good Luck!

[PaphMadMan]

Yes, it is a terminal spike. Just keep giving the plant normal good care. A terminal spike usually means that particular crown of leaves can't grow anymore, but it isn't an immediate death sentence. Sometimes additional normal spikes from any nodes that haven't bloomed will develop, and every spike gives you a chance for keikis. The plant can persist for years, and as long as it lives there is a chance for a basal keiki. If a basal keiki does form just let it develop naturally. The remaining leaves of the old crown will give it energy as long as they persist. Switching to a higher nitrogen fertilizer might help encourage keikis.

[BeachDadAtHome]

Hi Clifflirt! Welcome.

I ran into the same problem with the images when I first got here. I think if you follow this link's instructions you'll be able to post pictures.

Tips for posting Photos