Is this a spike or root?

[katsjam]

Thanks all. I've taken it out of the bathroom for now (truly this is the coldest area in the building). Could it need to be reported? If so, is there anything I should know (since I'm a newbie)? I normally have a brown thumb but seem to do ok with my orchids and my late-moms plants (3 years and they're still alive)

[Dollythehun]

How long has it been?

[estación seca]

Originally Posted by rbarata

From our point of view, well informed/more experienced orchid growers, yes.
From the point of view of a business trying to sell a lot of orchids in a short time, it's clever.



Now that too many orchid buyers are informed about this "technique" (and scam) it's time to move to another market: Bonsay buyers.



Yes, they might be next.

I favor "just add ice" cocktails.

[Dollythehun]

I really hate to stick my toe into this water: That is decorative moss on top of? Bark, spaghnum moss, soil? Is it possible to gently top it out and see if the potting medium is mushy or decomposed? Maybe another picture?

Truly, I think your answer is light but, if the plant is two years old, or older and hasn't been repotted, it might need it but, it looks healthy enough to bloom. If the medium was bad you would probably see signs on top.

[katsjam]

I really hate to stick my toe into this water: That is decorative moss on top of? Bark, spaghnum moss, soil? Is it possible to gently top it out and see if the potting medium is mushy or decomposed? Maybe another picture?

I'm not sure what's under it. Here are some photos.

[katsjam]

Hello all, I notice some new growth today on my friend's orchid. Any chance one of these is a spike? Please let me know.

[GoldStar135]

Originally Posted by katsjam

Hello all, I notice some new growth today on my friend's orchid. Any chance one of these is a spike? Please let me know.

Nope-you've got a new root tip emerging. That isn't bad news though-it means the plant is healthy and is beginning to produce new roots.
Root tips are normally rounder in shape and are glossier. Flower spikes tend to be a bit more sharp. Root tips can emerge from basically anywhere on the stem, but spikes can only grow from the middle of where the leaf attaches to the stem.
Here's an example of where spikes will emerge-

(found online)