Question
I have a phalaenopsis orchid that bloomed about 2 years ago.  The flower spike then died back.  Since then it has grown 2 light greeen spikes but the spikes do not have any nodes.  Last week I noticed a flower spike with nodes and this week it bloomed.  The other 2 spikes look very different than the one that is blooming.  Are these spikes all the same?  Can I cut back the other 2 spikes that never flowered?

Answer
Michelle, sometimes a phalaenopsis can send up aerial roots that, in some ways, resemble a flower spike.  I can't say for sure whether that is what you are observing. In either case (whether a flower spike or root) I would not advise cutting it off. If it is an immature flower spike, it could develop nodes as it matures and may yet bloom as long as it remains green. Aerial roots largely are green only when they are wet (ie they contain chlorophyll).