Question
I am having the same problem as the other inquirer had. Although I have a root that appears to be growing upwards. Its in the same spot that my other stem had grown but on the opposite side of the plant. Its light grey at the bottom and green at the tip. Can roots grow upwards as well? OR could I be hopefull that this IS a stem?? :)

Answer
Candace, in general, roots have a grey covering called a velamin and, when in active growth, have a green tip.  New flowering spikes, on the pther hand, tend to be all green.  Yes, roots can grow upward.  You should be hopeful, but, this sounds to me like a new root.  New aerial roots can originate in nearly the same location as new flower spikes.