Exactly what is a spike?

[Myst]

i think i may have one some...?
im sorry I'm sure this has been answered a million times i probably should just check the archives.

[mehitabel]

I hope you do-- it's always exciting to get one.

A spike will always appear on the side of the stem where the leaves attach, either between two leaves or under a leaf. I would say they look a little like a pixie ear when they first appear. As they develop, they have a little "mitten" thing at the tip.

There are photos of a couple of different early-stage spikes in the thread "Some Beginner Questions..."

Roots can also appear in the general area, but they are smoother.

At any rate, root or spike, it becomes clearer as it develops.

Good luck. I hope you have several

[Myst]

ok well is this a spike?

[Ross]

Technically, a "spike" could be either a growth shoot or a flower shoot. We usually refer to the latter. In some genera, such as Maxillarias or Cymbidiums, it's hard to tell at first what you have (without experience). In others, such as Angraecoides, it's pretty obvious. We typically refer to spikes as a growth that ultimately leads to flowers. They look different with each genera.

[Myst]

thank you Ross. Would you say then, that the picture i posted up of my Phalaenopsis is a flower shoot? And does it require any special care?

[WhiteRabbit]

myst I think your existing spike, or stem is going to branch - which hopefully will lead to more blooms!

[quiltergal]

Rabbit is correct. Your existing spike is branching. New spikes emerge from the base of the plant between the leaves.

[Myst]

ok tyvm you guys but i still dont understand what exactly a spike is?

does it turn into a leaf? duh?
does it do something special? help a girl out here people.

ok im adding a photo...so this phalic looking thingy here is a spike?

[Ross]

In this case, that is a root. The green end is the clue.

[dounoharm]

that looks like a root to me, myst...a spike is green, not white, roots are white with the outer covering being white.....spikes are green growths that have tiny little buds imbedded in the top of it, they grow very fast, and within a couple days it should be apparent that it isnt a root.....but FLOWERS! yaaaa!! this is true for phalaenopsis....ross is right however, with every genera, the blooming spike is different.