---
title: "👋 Plant Newbie here! Is this a new root or future stem for flowers?…"
description: "👋 Plant Newbie here! Is this a new root or future stem for flowers? I’m guessing a root is most likely. Appreciate any input!"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/JmTUi1iSQr6-tX35luAMXQ/uIFa1tQgrbUldsOUz1F0zZ"
community: "The Orchid Oasis"
author: "Plant Newbie"
published: "2025-10-23T12:52:22.769551Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/aej-Wk7cXRHwuhyXLYOR1qPyjEyvNtE1AGYoQUv7FSE/QpUsyvUpTGiHElP2DSXmZQ.webp?size=large"
---

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# 👋 Plant Newbie here! Is this a new root or future stem for flowers?…

_Posted by Plant Newbie on 2025-10-23_

👋 Plant Newbie here! Is this a new root or future stem for flowers? I’m guessing a root is most likely. Appreciate any input!

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/aej-Wk7cXRHwuhyXLYOR1qPyjEyvNtE1AGYoQUv7FSE/QpUsyvUpTGiHElP2DSXmZQ.webp?size=large)

## 7 comments

### Ian L commented on 2025-10-23

It looks like a root

#### Plant Newbie replied on 2025-10-23

Ugh yeah that was my thought as well… I made a mistake with this one a while back when it was 1 of 2 plants I had at the time and cut the flower stems off because they appeared to be dead. 💀 😬

#### Ian L replied on 2025-10-23

Happend to me with my first orchid lol😭

#### Jen replied on 2025-10-25

That’s not necessarily a mistake. There are 2 schools of practice on that topic- some people will keep the flower spikes and hope for a second blooming. I personally always cut the spike when the flowers fade and fall. It gives your plant the time to devote all its energy to growing new leaves and in your case here, roots. That serves the long-term health of the orchid, and puts it in a better position to support a gorgeous flush of flowers on its next blooming.

### Snowstorm commented on 2025-10-24

Roots are cone shaped, stems are peaked like a roof or long triangle

### Jen commented on 2025-10-25

For future reference, flower stems almost always emerge from the ‘sides’ of the stem, between the leaves. Roots will come out on the sides too, or like this, on the ‘front’ or ‘back’ of the phalaenopsis stem- but spikes generally will not.

#### Jen replied on 2025-10-25

Flower spikes\* emerge from the sides of the stem… sorry, won’t let me edit for some reason.

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