Quote Originally Posted by Lore
How would I be able to tell if it's a keiki or not? I've never seen one in person, only in photos here. It doesn't look like it will spike again. If I cut off the dead spike, if it is indeed a dead spike, where should I cut it off at? Thanks for your help Diane, I appreciate it!
A keiki, of course, is a little phal with leaves and roots growing from a spike. I think once you've noticed little leaves that definitely don't look like buds, then you've got a keiki!

For dead spikes, cut them off about 1/2 inch to 1 inch from the base. If you can't stand seeing spike stubs, then cut it as close as possible, being careful not to injure the phal itself.

I usually cut live bloomed out spikes too. I find a second blooming isn't as good as the first one. That bamboo colored spike looks dried up (dead). If you feel a dried spike, it feels like straw. Well, the phal will always spike in the future, and good luck!