That is good info. I was surprised to find the flower stalk. Even though I trust the friend who gave me this plant, I had it segregated - on a table in our dining room. Bay window - east facing, but with light shade even in the AM. I was only interested in keeping it alive - and hoping to give it more care starting this spring.

When i found the spike today, I did carefully spread the leaf to look at the end of the spike. I'll do that again, and see what I can do. How long will it take to bloom once the spike is released?

I'll post another picture when it blooms. I took Chris's advice and carefully releaset the flower bud - it didn't take too much effort. Would be thrilled if this turns out to be a brassia or an odontoglossum. Am amused at myself about this - I was perfectly fine with not having it bloom, expecting nothing from the plant until I repotted it and took it out of newcomer's isolation. Now that I know there's a spike, I am impatient to know what it is!