Hard & Brown discoloration to plump Phal roots

[PhalsWin]

Howdy, first post!

I have two Phals that I've had for just over a year, and both have some brown discoloration to their roots near the stem. The roots feel firm and plump, and have branched new healthy roots from the areas that look gross.

Both are currently throwing new spikes, grew four new leaves each this summer, and have otherwise healthy looking root systems. They live in a shaded but well lit room, and are watered as needed, when the majority of the roots look dry in their clear pots. No water is ever allowed to stay in the crown or leaf joints! Both are also in large bark.

I fertilize using "Grow More" brand, weakly/weekly, by pouring the fertilizer water into the bark after they have soaked in fresh water. So they really don't get much fertilizer at all.

What does this look like to yall? Did they get sunburned? Fertilizer burned? Virus that I unwittingly allowed to transfer?

Thank you!

[Roberta]

I don't think it is any big deal. Certainly not virus. Maybe a little sunburn, but it sounds like the plants are doing fine.

[PhalsWin]

Thank you!

[JFeathersmith]

All my phals have developed discoloration like that on some of their roots - I always assumed it was because they were parts of the roots that were too exposed to dry air for a little too long, repeatedly. It seems to be more of a problem on older roots than newer ones, but I'm not sure if it puts much strain on the plants - they've got lots of roots without any damage like that, and they've all put on plenty of new growth over the time I've had them.