Not sure. That it's happening to the newest growth is of important consideration. The only thing that comes to mind at the moment is maybe it was kept a tad cold and the tip of the spike got nipped, or you kept it a little too dry for a short period.

Exactly how far along were the buds that are aborting?

But I don't really find those explanations to be fully satisfactory. I think a fuller answer might come if you wait to see how the spike continues to develop.

Edit: one more thought crossed my mind. Where and how are you growing it? I don't know exactly where you are but here in DC we've had an abnormal amount of cloudy, snowy days. If your plant is by a window, the lower light might have some influence.

This post was edited by terpguy on Wed, Feb 12, 14 at 19:55