Is this a flower spike or new root?

[Plz.dont.die]

Hello, I am fairly new to orchid growing. I am wondering if this is a new root or flower spike on my den. Kingianum. Also, he's supposed to be resting but he keeps putting out new roots and a new cane. I haven't watered him since Halloween and he's in an environment that hovers around 55F. Any and all help will be much appreciated thank you!

[Roberta]

Looks pretty "rooty" to me. First, I think that you should be watering the plant (lightly) once a week or so. It is definitely waking up. Pay attention to the plant, it's doing what it wants to do, it doesn't read books or the 'net. (Wait another month or so before fertilizing) The temperature is fine. (Mine get exposed to watering and rain, go down to near freezing occasionally... southern California doesn't get significant frost but does get pretty chilly, I grow it outside) As spring approaches, you'll be getting more new growth, and flowers (probably in the February-March time frame)

[Paphluvr]

I believe that Dend. kingianum blooms terminally, not basally. Root.

[Plz.dont.die]

Awesome, thank you for your help! Do you have anyother advice for this orchid?

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by Plz.dont.die

Awesome, thank you for your help! Do you have anyother advice for this orchid?

Just patience... Den. kingianum is a super-tough orchid. It is fine with heat, cold, dryness. Leafless canes are still very much alive and contributing to the plant. Ideal potting time is spring - you can wait until after it blooms, it will continue to grow vigorously. Don't be in a rush to divide - those leafless canes are reserves for the new growth. If it does outgrow its pot, you can divide a cluster of old, leafless canes (at least 3, more is better) and pot separately to give you another plant. Personally, I like to get plants get fairly large - a big strong plant will bloom better than a bunch of small weak ones.

So for now, just resume watering (lightly), start ti fertilize (lightly) in a month or so, and enjoy when it blooms. (And don't forget to smell the flowers... they're nicely fragrant)