Phal Keiki w/spike or is it another keiki?

[mmursuli]

Hey there! I've had this NOID phal keiki for about 2 1/2 months. When it was given to me it was on the brink of dying and only had two roots. But with the guidance of a few orchid board members and some TLC, I kept it alive and shooting new roots. Today I saw what looks like either a flower spike or a keiki, and I'm concerned. Can the plant handle either one? I'd love for it to bloom, but I'd rather have it concentrate on new leaves and roots. What is it and what should I do?

[RosieC]

To me it looks like a spike, but it's difficult to tell.

In the past I've removed spikes (sterilised sharp knife then dab cinnamon on the wound) on plants that were struggling. Like you I wanted them to concentrate on leaves and roots.

[mmursuli]

When should I remove the spike? What if I leave it alone? Will the plant suffer?

[RosieC]

I would probably leave it a bit longer, so you can be sure what it is. The plant won't suffer for loosing it as long as you ensure the wound is sterile (the cinnamon helps stop any infection getting in).

[mmursuli]

Thanks Rosie! I'll let you know what I decide to do. I so tempted to let it bloom...

[mmursuli]

Update: It was a keiki! It's doing really well Good root system and three leaves.

[lostonthebeach]

Originally Posted by mmursuli

Update: It was a keiki! It's doing really well Good root system and three leaves.

Any new photos??