Weird root?
 

One of my phals is growing what looks like a root between two of its leaves. It's right above a leaf, sticking out from the side of the plant. Is this normal?

This is normal! Phals almost always grow such aerial roots. Remember that in nature, Phals grow on the sides of the trees (or other structures) and the roots are what hold it in place. So celebrate your aerial root!

she is right....aerial roots and basal roots are both normal in Phals since they do not have bulbs....they need any which way to gather moisture and humidity

Being monopodial, as the plant grows upwards, new roots will come from higher on the plant.