While a bud spike elicits joy and excited anticipation, a root may not be welcomed with the same gusto. Notice the sheathed surface of the spike compared to the glossy plain surface of the root A spike (on left) and root pushing out together. Therefore, when the first nubbings appear, it’s a guessing game whether the new growth is a potential bud spike or a new root, or even a new shoot. These type of orchids also produce new shoots as well as roots on the axis of the plant. On the other hand, monopodial orchids such as Phalaenopsis and Vanda orchids produce bud spikes on the axis of the plant. Sympodial orchids such as Cattleya and Oncidiums bloom on mature pseudobulbs, thereby making it easy for us to recognise when they produce buds.

Bright indirect light also plays an important role in inducing spikes in orchids. However, blooming also depends on a host of other factors such as maturity of the plant, its genetic makeup, health, adequate fertilization and exposure to stress. This means that warm days and relatively cooler nights will induce blooming in these orchids. These flower spikes are induced by a drop of 7-10 degrees from the ambient daytime temperature. They have been genetically manipulated to produce beautiful blooms in abundance. Phalenopsis orchids or the moth orchids that we generally have in our collection are complex hybrids. A drop in ambient temperature at night induces blooming in Phalaenopsis orchids You will also notice bud spikes and sheaths filling out, making you excited with the prospect of a good bloom season for your orchids. The growths may be vegetative such as new pseudobulbs, or leaves and roots. After a slowdown in winter, towards the end of winter, you will find your orchids putting out new growths. The cooler days of winter have begun receding and warm sunny days show signs of renewed vigour in your orchids, heralding the beginning of spring.

Subscribe to the blog for regular updates on orchid culture and care. Read on to learn how to identify a spike from a root or new shoot. There is always some guesswork involved in differentiating between an orchid root and spike in the early stage of their development. Come spring and flower spikes begin to develop in Phalaenopsis orchids.

Flowering spike plant