Spike question

[Lil Bit]

I've heard it said that the only silly question is the one not asked. So here we go:

I've got 3 noid phals, each in spike with blooms. I recently purchased another noid phal and just realized that both the spikes on the new plant are forked. I mean that each spike appear to have additional spikes so that they look like a branch of a tree.

Does that mean that this new plant is older or happier or that the spikes have developed spikes of their own or ??? (Is that snickering I hear out there? )

Another question is one that I've never heard mentioned before: How long can orchids live? I have several house plants that I've been living with for over 20-25 years. I'm just the curious type.

Thank you for your help in advance.

Rita