Question
I have two Phalaenopsis Orchids one is now beginning to bloom and has produced a long branch with mutliple buds. The second lost its flowers after shipment but you gave me some excellent advice on cutting it back. Now, I've noticed there is a very green shoot with what appears to be nodules and a "mitten shape" at the end. Is this a new spike or a root? This is growing near the base of the orchid just above the bottom leaf. My orchids are in an east, southeast window, on a humidity tray and I mist the leaves early in the morning. My home during the day stays around 69 to 72 and at night is between 68-69 degrees.

Answer
Cherrie, thank you for the detailed description.  I believe you have a new flower spike developing on this plant and will slowly elongate into a spike with buds.  After it elongates to 8 -10 inches, I would start to stake the spike with a bamboo stake of proper length to help guide the spike growth.  Try not to change the position of the plant during this period or you get a flower spike that will tend to twist to an unpleasing position.