Red Tip on Spike? Please HELP!

[Newbie3]

Thank you everyone for all of your help!

I pulled up my Phal to examine the roots. First of all the poor little thing was so tightly packed in there! (Spot-on Silken!) I was actually worried it might break off at the roots if I kept tugging so I took a tweezers and carefully pulled out the substrate on the sides until it was loose enough to remove from the pot. Once out of the pot, you could see there was a solid knot of substrate stuffed inside the roots and the roots had grown curling around it. I pulled out all the substrate and looked at the roots they were nice and plump and green. A lighter green than the leaves and spike but still green with more of a yellow-green at the tips of the roots (see picture) I took note that the substrate was not soaked or water logged. I water it only when the substrate is just about dry and I water it only enough so that the substrate is wet but not soaked.

I replaced it in it's pot, loosely packing the substrate (ended up using only about half of what was in there originally). Also I moved it off of the window sill and set it on a little table. Its still in front of the window, but even stepping it back the few inches will dramatically change the light exposure.

We will have to wait and see how she does. I am so happy to have discovered this site and that you all have been so generous with your information and sharing your knowlege.

One thing I am curious about is what Daethen mentioned. How in the wild orchids grow on the sides of trees and rocks. I noticed this in doing my research and would actually like to try mounting my Phal because I feel nature knows best and if thats how she is supposed to grow then maybe she would do better in a mounted state. Is it possible to take a potted phal and mount it? How should this transition be done? Mounting supplies (what's required?)? And is now a good time of year to do this being December in New England?

I know lots of questions... I will continue with my research and look for relevant threads on the forum but any info or experience you might have in the area would be very much appreciated.

Thanks again!