Multi-bud?

[IdaDag]

This strange bud has started to grow on one of my oldest phalaenopsis plants. (Approx. 15 years). It looks like a multi-bud and also a “real leaf” has started to grow on one of the nodes. Have you seen this before?

[Roberta]

It does look like you might be getting a keiki on that developing spike. It does sometimes happen. Part of the adventure of orchid-growing is watching new growth and new flowers develop... You learn the possibilities just letting things happen and observing.

[estación seca]

Each node on a Phal spike has a tiny bract, which is developmentally a leaf. Sometimes the bract enlarges to become more leaflike. As with animals, plants often develop abnormally. Usually it is a one-time thing. There is the possibility the rest of the spike will be abnormal, too.

Sometimes this happens due to growth regulator hormone exposure in low doses. It might happen from exposure to herbicides or growth promoters, but there is probably no way to tell what caused this with your plant.

[PaphMadMan]

In addition to the clustered buds and visible leaflets, that spike is also unusually thick, one side looks flat, and it has ridges along the length. This is an example of Fasciation. The meristem multiplies or broadens, leading to a variety of physical issues. It usually is not genetic or caused by broad cultural problems, but can be triggered by insects, hormones, pesticides or other short term stresses. Or sometimes it just happens. Growth and development is a complicated process that is not error free. It usually will not repeat, but that spike will probably not grow out of it. You'll get some normal flowers, some crowded ones, possibly extra petals etc. It can be fun to see what develops, but some people might prefer to clip it and hope the plant gets a new spike.