I am new to orchid growing...How do I know if the plant has a new root (growing upward) or if it is a spike?

My moth orchid is growing something that is going up. Is it a root or a spike for flowering?

I am new to orchid growing...How do I know if the plant has a new root (growing upward) or if it is a spike?
A flower spike has a slightly flattened end, with a dent in it- the end almost looks like a little mitten. The spike also comes out below the 5th leaf from the top, unless the orchid has lost leaves above that point for some reason. Roots are round, with an evenly tapered tip- and yeah, sometimes they head up instead of down...
Reply:Pull it up and look at it
Reply:webcam
Reply:By spike you mean a stem that's going to turn into flowers, right?





Those stems are smooth and green and not covered with the rough grayish coating that roots have.