Strange dark purple root tips on phal
 

I bought this Phal Surf Song exactly a month ago. I chose it for its gorgeous roots and general health (thanks to the sticky post that was very helpful). The first picture shows the roots when I just brought it home. Well, for the first roughly 3 weeks the phal did nothing but bloom (it is still in full bloom and looking gorgeous). The roots all but stopped growing, there were no changes in them for 3 weeks. Then all of a sudden, about a week ago, all the tips started growing again, except they look very, very odd (see the last 2 pictures). First, they are very dark reddish-purple in color. Second, they have what looks like whitish specks on the tips. Finally, there's a chafing band-looking thing on the roots where the new tips are growing (second picture shows it best). What gives? Is there a problem with the phal? Is this fungus? Could it be a problem with my watering? Given that it's in sphagnum that dries VERY slowly, I basically give it about 4 oz of water every 10-12 days or so, but I mist the aerial roots daily from a spray bottle since the humidity here is quite low and the top dries out quickly.

I read somewhere that this could indicate the phal is getting too much sunlight. Should I lower the shade? The root tips that are buried in the medium look beige instead of dark purple. Bottom line: do you think there is any problem with the phal's roots? Anything I need to change?

Looks totally normal to me.

I suspect that this is a dire case of "really really really loving this orchid." :D I have been bitten by this bug more than once myself.

No, I don't see any signs that this plant is getting too much light at all. Some of my phals grow root tips that are sort of purple at the ends. Some do not. Normally, the purple tipped roots are from plants with some red on the flower, like Phal. Surf Song.

I got mine about a month ago too and it's already one of my favorite phals. You really can't beat the color on those blooms, can you? :D My Phal Violacea's roots have a very slight purple tinge to them too.

I don't know if this is actually what happens, but it seems to me like the root tips turn purple when growth stalls for a bit, then they green up again as growth begins on the root again. I could be totally wrong on that, I'm not an expert.

Anyway, relax. I think your plant is just fine.

yup, i think it's normal. my phal has always had purplish root tips too. no need to worry.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

Others will chime in here too, but I have phals with purply root tips as well as green. I think it means they are happy and growing and it may be a response to light, but it you aren't seeing other signs of distress re too much light (like discolored leaves) I think you are fine.

Edit- I type too slowly. I have this phal too! It's one of my favorites. It's putting on a mega show right now.

I think everyone on OB that grows phals has one. LOL! They're a really great plant it also seems like they put on a spectacular show. I've seen several pics of it with just loads and loads of blooms.