Differences between Phalaenopsis flower spikes and roots: six key points to tell them apart easily

In fact, there are many differences between Phalaenopsis flower spikes and roots. Generally, the ones that grow under the leaf axils on both sides along the direction in which the leaves extend, with pointed tips and a dark green or purple color, then grow upward, and have small nodes on them, and will bloom, are flower spikes; while the ones that grow on the two vertical sides of the direction in which the leaves extend, with round white tips, growing downward and having no small nodes on them, and will not bloom, are the roots.

1. Growth position

Flower spike

Phalaenopsis flower spikes and roots have different growth positions. Usually, at the leaf axils, on both sides facing the direction in which the leaves extend, the Phalaenopsis flower spike will grow, and its position is relatively fixed; while the roots grow in unfixed positions, mainly on the two vertical sides of the direction in which the leaves extend, where the roots can be found.

2. Different shapes

Root

You can also distinguish Phalaenopsis flower spikes from roots by their appearance and shape. The tip of the flower spike is pointed, looking like a triangle from the side, while the tip of the Phalaenopsis root is round, looking like a cylinder from the side, so there is a relatively large difference in appearance.

3. Different colors

Flower spike

Phalaenopsis can also be judged by the color of its flower spikes and roots. Generally, its flower spikes are dark green or purple and look fairly conspicuous, while the roots of Phalaenopsis will gradually turn white after growing to a certain length, giving a feeling of crystal roots.

4. Different directions

Root

When identifying Phalaenopsis flower spikes and roots, you can also distinguish them by their growth direction. The flower spikes of Phalaenopsis mainly grow upward so that they can bloom better, while its roots grow downward so that they can better approach the soil to absorb nutrients.

5. Nodes on them

Flower spike

To distinguish Phalaenopsis roots from flower spikes, you can also wait a period of time. After they grow to a certain extent, the Phalaenopsis flower spike will slowly grow small nodes one after another, making it easy to distinguish, while its roots, like normal roots, have no nodes on them.

6. Whether they bloom

Flower spike

In fact, the simplest way to distinguish Phalaenopsis flower spikes from roots is to let nature take its course and let them grow. After a period of time, flower buds of Phalaenopsis will slowly grow on the flower spike, and then it will begin to bloom, while the roots of Phalaenopsis cannot grow flower buds and bloom.