Root or Spike?

[Nyx]

New grower question regarding telling the difference between a root or spike or ? Who knew that tiny, new growths could be so exciting!

To begin, I think that the first attached photo is probably a spike and that the second attached photo is definitely a root. Correct?

Perhaps it's too early to tell on some of these (that I will be posting subsequently) but I'm wondering still. I'm thinking most of the rest might be roots, but I'd like a second (and third, etc.) opinion. Most pics will come from Phals.

I'm also curious about and will post photos of new and seemingly dissimilar growth on two of my Paphs for any "what is it?" input. Thanks!

[Brutal_Dreamer]

You are 100% correct. First photo is a spike the second, a root.

cheers!
BD

[Nyx]

I cut the two (spent) spikes off this one around a month ago. It's also working on a new leaf, which is mid-size compared to the others right now. All roots?

[Brutal_Dreamer]

I am gonna roll the dice and say.. ALL ROOTS!

Cheers!
BD

[Nyx]

This is the same plant - growth on different sides. It's also one that was kind of in "sick bay"...I was waiting for it to either die or grow roots. I bought it early on when flowers were more important to me than the overall health of the plant. It had two huge beautiful sprays of flowers and horribly dehydrated leaves/not so good roots when I bought it.

[Nyx]

These are two different Paphs, and my first of the genus. I haven't seen these in bloom as I bought them at a reduced price after they had finished their first bloom. Everything will be a surprise with these two.

Is the new growth on each of these the same thing in different stages? And which thing might it be? Do Paphs spike, root and leaf the same ways and in the same places Phals do?

Thanks for the help so far, Brutal Dreamer!

[smartie2000]

the first picture is one with the start of a new leaf growth (clump of leaves will bloom when mature) and the second picture is one of new roots, I think. Paphs send one spike once from the centre of a mature growth.

[Diane]

Smartie is right on. Patience, grasshopper; blossoms come in their own time, sometimes it takes 2 years to get another bloom...

[Nyx]

Truth be told, I'm still excited to see new growth of any kind - a small, but gratifying event. The Paphs are of the mottled leaf variety and add visual diversity to my growing area even without blooms. I can wait. It's good to know that they do grow a bit differently than phals, with leaves growing out from the bottom rather than top. Thanks, smartie2000 and Diane.

I didn't notice the new spike on the Phal until it had grown a bit, so I was unsure of how similar a spike might look vs. a root when first emerging. As long as the orchids continue growing in one way or another during growing season I'm content. One of life's little surprises. Thanks again.

[Diane]

Just for quick reference...

Normal Phal growth (okay the one leaf is a little wavy)




Normal paph growth