skip to main content

New orchid spike or root ?

12 years ago

Hello to all !

I am an avid lover of orchids and have been for three years now. My two last orchids died when i was away from my home and my roomate has to take care of them.

This spring, i bought a new one and it seems to be doing exceptionally well!
It just grew a new leaf at the bottom which is now reaching an inch and upon further inspection, seems to be sprouting either new roots or a new spike even!

With the attached photo, could any experts help me on devciding if this seems to be a baby spike? (It is growing between two leaves so needless to say, I am very hopeful!)

Thanks in advance :)

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

dbarron
12 years ago
If you mean the rootlet on the root...umm a rootlet...if you mean something else, I don't see it.
Calzoner
12 years ago
Definitely a root as stated above. Tip i learned when I first started growing: Root tips are green/translucent with a rounded tip. Spikes are shaped similar to a "mitten" at the tip and are usually a darker shade of green or slightly purple in color.

Depending on your location, now is the time for new roots and foliage growth (typically 1-3 leaves per year for phals) and if conditions are right you will see spikes emerging late fall to early winter when nighttime temps drop 10-15 degrees.

Good luck!
Related Professionals
Indianapolis Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Fayetteville Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Auburn Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Hartford Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Dubuque Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Ithaca Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · San Jose Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · San Luis Obispo Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Evansville Landscape Contractors · Corpus Christi Landscape Contractors · Rochester Landscape Contractors · Cleveland Landscape Contractors · Merced Landscape Contractors · Boise Landscape Contractors · Oklahoma City General Contractors

Related Stories

HOUSEPLANTS How to Grow Orchids Indoors

By Marianne Lipanovich

Orchids are the exotic aristocrats of the flower world and can make themselves comfortable in almost any home

HOUSEPLANTS Orchids 101: How to Keep Your Moth Orchids Alive and Blooming

By Marianne Lipanovich

Growing Phalaenopsis — and getting it to flower again — is easier than you might think

FLOWERS See the Amazing Orchids Unfolding at a New York Garden Show

By Mitchell Parker

Get an eyeful of awe-inspiring orchids in incredible colors and learn how to keep one happily blooming at home

FLOWERS Orchids 101: Cymbidiums Add Beauty Indoors and Out

By Marianne Lipanovich

Their large, long-lasting flowers give them a place of honor in homes and gardens

HOUSEPLANTS Orchids 101: Slipper Orchid Success

By Marianne Lipanovich

If you don’t already love Paphiopedilums, learning how to grow them with ease might change your mind

GARDENING FOR BUTTERFLIES Great Design Plant: Red Yucca Spikes Dry Spots With Color

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Neither heat nor cold nor lack of water fazes this flowering succulent, which adds spiky texture to Southwestern landscapes

HOUSEPLANTS Orchids 101: Try Something Different With Dendrobiums

By Marianne Lipanovich

If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, these orchids may be a good choice

CENTRAL PLAINS GARDENING Great Design Plant: Culver's Root

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Spiky summer blooms beloved by butterflies and architectural interest in winter make this Midwest native plant worth featuring in the garden

DECORATING GUIDES Indoor Gardener: Orchids Bring Beauty to Decor

By Living Small: City & Small Space Consulting

Beautifully blooming orchids add elegance and grace to entryways, bathrooms and decorative vignettes

FLOWERS Orchids 101: Frilly Oncidiums Dance Their Way to Center Stage

By Marianne Lipanovich

Sprays of flowers characterize these New World orchids

Sponsored