Phalaenopsis. Root or Spike?
 

So i found this new growth in my Phalaenopsis. Is it a root or a spike and how can one differentiate them?

That's a root. It's round and it grows downwards. Spikes are more pointy and grow upwards.

That's very clearly a root. It's possible to tell even earlier than that. Roots have a very round tip, while a spike nubbin is somewhat flat and mitten shaped. In your case the entire root structure is visible, with the older part covered in white velamen and a green, actively growing tip.

YAY! A root! thanks!

Roots, especially big, fat, healthy ones are to be celebrated!

how does one water those roots that appear near the crown ??

You mean aerial roots? I just mist them once in a while.

I mist them everytime I see them, which can be a few times a day.
My apartment being so bright and warm during the day, things dry out like crazy, so I mist like crazy too. :)

Ive been misting 2 times a week and they are doing great.. i guess they dont need as much water as people say