Yes, Nekletka is right - those are signs of a stress spike. In this case, I know that this plant has a stress spike because it had just bloomed perhaps three months ago, and when those blooms faded I repotted it right into S&H. About 3-4 weeks after repotting, I saw another spike emerge while simultaneously the leaves were declining in appearance...they were loosing their turditity, color and general composure...they were becoming a bit floppy, and most know that as a warning sign of a plant in distress. Truthfully, I think when I bought the plant and it was in bloom, I'd kept it on my desk out of the light for a little too long - that probably stressed it a great deal too. The plant hasn't declined entirely in the time since repotting, so I let it develop the spike, knowing i would cut the spike when it was far enough along to keep in a cup and enjoy the blooms
Many plants, orchids included, have a survival method of throwing flowers if they believe they might be in danger of death. My professor used to call it the "omg I think I'm going to die" syndrome. So, that is how I know it is a stress spike