Is this a Spike?

[Sandrilene]

I noticed one of my phals has a new growth I think from reading stuff online it is a spike maybe? You guys know more so I figured I would ask you. Also a picture of my keiki as an update I hurt my back and haven`t been able to sit down for like the last month til now which is why I`ve been away. Bulging disk and curved spine fun fun.

[englandfx]

looks like a root...

[-k-]

The little nubn in the first pic sure does look like it could be a spike to me!

[mayres]

Ouch! Hope you are and will continue to be "on the mend".
Looks like a root popping out of that leaf crotch. It is the right location for a spike, but the tip looks suspicially like a root tip at this point.
You keiki looks nice and healthy.

[Sandrilene]

I`ve never seen roots come out above leaves which is why i was wondering. It's just started to head up whatever it is today it wasn`t there yesterday when i watered my chids. Yeah keiki is doing well worried about how heavy it will get because of its position on the spike may snap it off? :S My back is getting stronger again finally its hard to find the balance of how much i can push it in recovery but i`m thrilled to be able to sit again even if it is somewhat crookedly. lol

[mytwogirls]

Hmmm, that is funny, it is in the spot for a spike, but no "mitten" looking and not pointy either. Only time will tell. Wanna place bets? I am betting spike!!!!

Back pain is NO FUN. I had bulged disks during pregnancy. It is B.A.D.

[mehitabel]

Roots as well as spikes can come from between the leaves. Hate to disappoint you, but it looks like a root to me-- the round shiny tip. However, new roots are good, too.

[shaz]

my vote is for root too as it is green and smooth.

[tangers40]

i vote root too, unfortunately. i have a plant that put out a root in that exact spot. it's now as long as the leaf is. it confused me greatly when it first started growing...i thought only spikes came from those locations. but alas, it can be roots too. weirdest part? the leaf crotch on the other side is now growing a spike. nope, that plant's not confused a bit......

[davetheorchidaddict]

Orchids have taught me one thing that I never had - patience - that little growth shows it's head and I always wanted to see a full bloom the next but it don't work that way. Be patient and you will see what is developing.

[syndywindy]

I'm with your growth being a root. But don't be disappointed if it is. A root is good, the spike will come in time.

[Sandrilene]

Anyone have any pics of what a spike looks like when it starts out? I'll post a pic again when it gets bigger but yeah most people seem to think its a root. its odd that as much time as i`ve spent looking at orchids i`ve never noticed them throw out roots from that spot. guess i`m not very observant. lol

I can not imagine trying to deal with a bulging disk being pregnant. its hard enough getting out of bed with just the disk or farther in pregnancy by itself but the two together omg. sounds like my worst nightmare. This is like my third time with sciatica and the first time i actually got my back x-rayed. I`m kinda hoping i can strengthen my back enough to where it stops happening otherwise i`m gonna have to get surgery or something. That would be lame. At least i`m surrounded by plants. And i still managed to get outside a few times to see the trees in bloom.

[syndywindy]

Have you tried having an epidural injection for your back? Many times that can relieve the pressure on the nerve by reducing the inflammation of the disc. You can have up to three injections safely. I know some will inject patients more than three times, but the more you inject a steroid, the more it breaks down tissue. Three is the acceptable number for almost all steroid or cortisone shots. My husband had a disc in his neck several years ago and finally had a fusion fo 3 vertebrae using bone from his hip. He has been perfect ever since. A good doctor will try alternatives before resorting to surgery.

[Brooke]

Synda I had the three injections and was very hopeful because the first injection brought relief. I thought the additional injections would solve the problem but I never got beyond what the first injection accomplished.

It did postpone surgery for a long time

Brooke

[syndywindy]

Unfortunately epidurals won't always be a cure but as you said can postpone things and provide relief for some time before having to resort to other options. I'm guessing you finally had to have surgery. These days most surgeries have become same day surgeries. When my husband had his, he was in the hospital for 4 days, mostly for the pain in the area where they took the bone from his hip. Immediately after he woke up, he had no pain, numbness or tingling in his arms, and had to wear a neck brace for 3 months. His surgery is now same day and patients wear a brace for just a couple weeks.

[tangers40]

Originally Posted by Sandrilene

Anyone have any pics of what a spike looks like when it starts out? I'll post a pic again when it gets bigger but yeah most people seem to think its a root. its odd that as much time as i`ve spent looking at orchids i`ve never noticed them throw out roots from that spot. guess i`m not very observant. lol

try this. slightly different situation from yours, as this pic shows a spike that doesn't have a leaf underneath it. but it (sorta) shows the shape of a spike. a root would be round and smooth on the tip.

[PhalNewbie89]

http://www.orchidgeeks.com/forum/gen...-not-sure.html

This is a thread I did on a spike. It started out real funny looking. You can look at pics of it as it moved along. :P

[Sandrilene]

yea it is a root. this orchids started a bunch of new roots this spring i`ll post a pic i think it needs to try a different location for light it`s gotten a bit darker since the move. but overall is in better health. can`t wait til it does spike though. my phal with the keiki is throwing out a leaf (the mother plant) so i don`t think i`m going to lose it either. woot! my back is still kinda bad. I can sit better and not in so much pain but its healing really slowly. its been a couple months at least. I can tolerate the pain so i don`t know if i should get the shot plus i don`t have health insurance. so its more like trying to be extra careful. thanks for the root posts! now i will know the difference between a root and a spike (hopefully! lol).

[zaeem]

IT is a root protruding.I have one.Spikes generally come out from the sides.you kieki is doing well let it grow support it,after more leaves it can grow spikes,but the roots have to be kept moist or seperate and plant in a small pot for full growth.good luck!
zaeem