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Keiki, Spike, or Root? Early Growth ID on Compromised Phalaenopsis

Phal spike or keiki

Plant had crown rot, treated with fungicide, fan 24/7. Rot stopped. Two days later, growth emerged at stem base (root zone). Cooler temps + fan. Flower spike or keiki? Feed bloom fertilizer? How to ID early?

Early ID Is Hard

At this stage, tissue doesn't reveal identity. Because it's in the root zone, likely a new root. Plant appears pushed up—new root zone above mix. Add mix to cover roots. If it's a spike/keiki, it'll push through. No extra fertilizer needed.

Pot Depth Check

If root zone now above pot rim, may need deeper pot—especially if most roots in pot are healthy.

Orchids: Phalaenopsis Central Flower Spike: Normal Species Variation; Encouraging Phalaenopsis Rebloom: Spike Pruning and Light; Managing Multiple Phalaenopsis Spikes: When to Cut the Old Spike; Accidentally Cut Phalaenopsis Spike with Buds: Can You Save It?; Phalaenopsis Spike After Bloom: Cut or Leave?; Phalaenopsis Spike Cutting: To Cut or Not to Cut?; Phalaenopsis Keiki with a Flower Bud: What Now?; To Cut or Not to Cut: Phalaenopsis Spike Management After Blooming; Mother-in-Law Cut the Phalaenopsis Spike: Will It Rebloom?; Managing a Phalaenopsis Keiki: When to Separate the Baby Plant

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