Terminal flower stem on Phalaenopsis?
 

I have a Phalaenopsis (probably intergeneric hybrid of some sort) that was given to me, and instead of a side flower stem, it grew out of the center, much like Dendrobium phalaenopsis does. Can it grow again from the center after this? I've never had one like it, though I've not grown a huge number of Phals. Anyone familiar with this? I'm sad to say I don't even remember what the flower was like, I think it was a purple one. I've attached a photo of what I mean.

That looks like it's maybe going to be a keiki ? :dunno:
But, yes, looks 'terminal', and likely the plant won't be able to grow from the crown - BUT it may be giving you a keiki now, or even if not, can likely develop a basal keiki.

That leaf was on the terminal stem, and it wraps around the stem, so it's not a Keikei. Hopefully it can grow something. If not, it's a very poor cross!

what would happen if it were clipped off? Would the plant just die away? Is it always best to leave a stem grow like that to see what it is? Are there any thoughts on why that happens?

Either it can grow a basal keiki or a keiki, or if the crown stem is dead, it'll slowly die, losing one leaf after the other of age…

Now there's a little chance it's only a spike that found its way out only from the top… in that case, you'll see soon a leaf appear.

That leaf is typical of terminal spikes. It may still bloom from the side a few times (from the leaf bases that never had a stem) but after that, no more, and eventually the plant will die as the leaves age and fall off. Hopefully you'll get a basal keiki from it before!

My experience has been that once a plant grows a terminal spike it will die, usually within a year. Every phal I've owned that had a terminal spike, grew multiple keikies before the mother plant died. I don't know what cutting the spike off would do, but if it were me, I wouldn't mess with it. Just let the plant do it's thing. I'm pretty sure you'll get keikies from it.

Thanks for the replies. They are very helpful. I'll see what pops up, or doesn't. At least it looks healthy so far.