Let's play the keiki/spike/root game!

[dlbush]

I received this new Ascofinetia Cherry Blossom (Neofinetia falcata x Ascocentrum ampullaceum) recently and discovered three small growths at or near the base. So as usual, the game is, keiki, root, or spike?

[cucubirds]

Two growths in second photo are keiki. Neofinetia crosses are known to produce a lot of keiki. You will quickly get specimen size plant.

The one in third photo would be a spike.

[Missanna]

The first two growths at the very base of the plant are basal keikis. In my limited experience with neo crosses (I've had two---), the keikis will grow very near to the base of the plant or will always grow below leaves where the plant has previously sent out a spike. The spikes of many orchids are pointed at the tip when they are very young-pointed like a spike (I just realized that May be why it's called that). Anyway, I can't see much in the photo, but the third one (in the last photo) looks like a spike to me. I hope it is! That will be so exciting for you to see this bloom (I'm guessing for the 1st time since it looks like a young plant). Anyway, the spikes will come from directly in the middle of the leaves while basal keikis usually only grow below leaves and roots can come out anywhere, usually on the side- this is what I have noticed for my plant. Also- it looks like the keikis have been there before and lost their first baby leaves because of the dry sheath looking bits around the growths. Good luck! I'm so excited for you.

[catttan]

very interesting - normally i would agree with Cucubirds but with ampullaceum in the equation I wouldn't rule out spikes as this species has the habit of putting out spike from the basal end. Any way nice to speculate.

[Cjcorner]

If it looks like a mitten...keikei. If it has a round end and sort of looks like an artichoke...spike. The expecting flowers and getting a baby plant is a bummer and fun at the same time.