What's going on with my phal? Strange new leaves.

[binxer]

Hi! I'm relatively new to orchids and just starting taking care of an phal for a friend. It's been pretty dormant for a while and hasn't been growing new leaves for several months. I moved it around to a few places (one included fluorescent lights), but it wasn't doing too well until I moved it to an east facing window. Now it receives a few hours of morning light.

I noticed leaves started growing as well as many new roots. But the leaves seem to be... growing too fast? They look strange to me. Anyone know what's going on? Is this normal?

[quiltergal]

It kind of looks like a terminal spike, but not exactly. No that is not normal. If it is a terminal spike the plant will stop growing leaves from the center. It will either start a basal Keiki or die. It's nothing you did wrong. It's genetic. Keep an eye on it and let us know.

[binxer]

Originally Posted by quiltergal

It kind of looks like a terminal spike, but not exactly. No that is not normal. If it is a terminal spike the plant will stop growing leaves from the center. It will either start a basal Keiki or die. It's nothing you did wrong. It's genetic. Keep an eye on it and let us know.

Thanks for the info. I've never heard of a terminal spike but it does look like that. Poor orchid

[My Green Pets]

I think it'll be ok. It's just decided to switch gears a bit. You might get a new plant growing out of the base, or this terminal leaf might grow roots and become a new plant. I dont think it will just up and die on you. Keep us updated.

[RosieC]

It looks to me like the start of a terminal spike. I've never seen exactly how they look as they start, but they often have a leaf part way up and that's what I would guess it is.

[WhiteRabbit]

Yup, terminal spike ...
It will likely develope a basal keiki. It can also still bloom until all leaf axils have.

I have a Phal that got a terminal spike last year. Since than it has been growing a basal keiki, crazy roots, and a normal spike ...

[Corsetière]

Yeah that is what my terminal spike looked like. My phal grew a basal keiki which is doing pretty good now. And strangely the original plant with the terminal spike is now growing another spike on a lower lever. Pretty random!

[Paul Mc]

Agreed. That is what my terminal spikes looked like if I remember correctly. Mine also grew keikis off of those spikes, but this occurred years ago when I was new to orchid growing. My spelling of keikis may be wrong so my apologies in advance. It's been a long time since I've been exposed to orchid terminology in writing given life demands and absence on forums.

[binxer]

Thanks everyone! I'm still really glad it's spiking (this will be my first spike for an orchid!). Excited to see some flowers