Gardener shares how to spot roots or flower spikes in growing orchids

One user on YouTube named 'One Orchid a Day' recently revealed the best ways to recognise the difference between the two.

They said: "The root is grown a bit, roots are thick and fresh and they usually come from the bottom of the stem of the orchid. They can also sprout from higher up or even among the leaves."

The gardener explained the best ways to spot a root through the shape and colour they possess.

She said: "A new root, will have a rounded tip, often green if exposed to light or white if it is hidden. You are unlikely to see the yellow one because these ones are inside the potting mix.

"When they are growing just a bit, you will definitely notice the green tip, that is the root tip. That means the root is actively growing which is amazing, we need new roots actively growing so they can actually become super mature and keep hydrating and feeding our orchids."

Flower spikes have different properties, such as their shape, the angle they grow and where they grow on the orchid.

The YouTuber said: "Flower spikes can emerge from the bottom but more often than not, you're going to actually count two leaves and below these two leaves you are going to see something coming through it. Usually, it is a flower spike but it can be a root.

"Roots tend to be rounder, a flower spike is a bit different. The tip of the flower spike is more angular or pointed. As it starts to grow, you may notice the small triangular brats or notches along its lengths. These are where the buds will form.

"The clear giveaway that you are looking at a flower spike and not a root are actually the knots that will form the buds.

"So if you find something that's pointy, angular, it is most definitely a flower spike. Usually, flower spikes in phalaenopsis will appear if you count two leaves from the top they will come among these two leaves."

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The main takeaway for orchid owners with spotting the difference between a root and a flower spike is roots tend to be rounder with a green tip and are likely at the bottom of the plant or on the stems.

In regards to flower spikes, there will be noticeable notches where buds will go from and the tip of the spike will be at an angle.

The YouTuber said: "If you do have flower spikes, just poking through your orchid, look after them by giving it some water, fertiliser and just wait until the blooms are all fully open so you can enjoy your flowers."

Recently, one user on TikTok suggested an approach that could potentially extend an orchid's lifespan to two decades.