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Phalaenopsis Keiki or Root? How to Tell the Difference

Your Phalaenopsis rebloomed from the old spike after moving to a bright atrium. Now "stem-ish" growths appear at the pot edges. Are they roots or new flower spikes?

Color Is the Key

New roots: Gray to whitish-gray with a green tip (growing) or gray tip (dormant).
New flower spikes: Green or reddish-green, no gray.

Old Spike Management

If the portion above the new blooming branch is brown, cut it off an inch above the new growth. If still green, leave it.

Keep Up the Good Work

Your plant is happy in the new location—bright indirect light is exactly what it needed.

Orchids: Root or Flower Spike? How to Tell the Difference; Keiki on Flower Spike: Wait for Roots & Leaves Before Separating; Rescuing a Phalaenopsis After Repotting Shock: Saving Blooms and Roots; Spike or Root? How to Tell on Your Phalaenopsis; Phalaenopsis Keiki (Baby) Removal and Potting: Complete Guide; Keiki on Phalaenopsis Stem: When and How to Separate Baby Orchids; Killing Hedge Stumps Near Clotheslines: Salt Treatment Method; Tomato Stem Roots and Yellow Leaves: Adventitious Roots and Disease; Jade Plant Adventitious Roots: Easy Propagation; Boxwood Troubles: Warts on Leaves Indicate Root Stress

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