Do new growths grow slower than spikes?
 

My fdk svo black pearl has had 2 nubbins at either side of the base for almost 2 weeks that aren't elongating very quickly. I was wondering if this means it's likely new growths rather than spikes.

I watched this youtube video by mama's orchids:
Catasetum Fdk After Dark 'Sunset Valley' Part 2:3 Bloom Progress & Timeline - YouTube

It looks like her spikes developed rather quickly and already had distinct buds within 1 month.

For more experienced growers, have you found that spikes develop quickly while new growth nubbins are slower?

At this time of year, Catasetinae should be resting - little or no water. Any new growth that has started will just sit there. (In my experience, Fredclarkeara tends to bloom late in the season, about the time that dormancy is starting in the fall) You don't want to be watering that plant until new leaves are spreading out, and new roots are 3-4 inches long. That won't happen for several more months. This is the time to just ignore it.

Search for posts by isurus79 - some videos and great information. Also, you can check the Sunset Valley Orchids culture notes written by Fred Clarke (the originator of this hybrid)

Thanks Roberta! My fdk has only lost 1 leaf so far, with another yellowing so it seems like it is only just entering dormancy. I haven't watered it since the beginning of November. That's why I wasn't sure if the nubbins were spikes or new growth. I read that it's sometimes hard to tell until it grows more but mine is just growing extremely slowly, so I was wondering if maybe that meant they were new growths not spikes.

It is very possible that they are new growths.. sometimes they "peek out" well before the plant is ready to wake up. That's where the discipline comes in... it is soooo tempting to start watering at the first sign of "action" . Don't succumb to the temptation. Keeping it dry, you're telling it "Go back to sleep..." like a little kid who wakes you up at 2 AM with "I want a glass of water"

Actually, there ARE some catasetinae (like Clowesia Rebecca Northen) that bloom from bare pseudobulbs before the leaves appear. Same deal... even when they do that, they're not ready for watering, necessary to wait for the new growth.