tips of aerial roots turning red on NOID phal

[LinhT]

Hello everyone,

Forgive me if this question has been asked but I was unable to find what I needed in the searches. I have a phal that I do not know the exact name of. It's been over watered and under lighted for 3 years and hasn't bloomed since I bought it. Lately, I've tried to water it more appropriately and give it more light. It's on a southeast window sill (sunlight on sunny days & artificial lighting (CFL bulb) on cloudy days) and on a humidity tray. Daytime temps are 65 - 70 F & nighttime 55 - 65 F. I finally have a new spike growing but the tips on the aerial roots are starting to turn reddish purple. The leaves are a medium green color though. Is it getting to much light or are the red/purple tips okay? I am in zone 4a.

[isurus79]

Sounds like you have a happy 'chid! A picture would help, but red root tips usually mean that your plant is growing new roots. Medium green leaves are usually a good, healthy color as well. A southern exposure might pose a problem (due to excessive sunlight) for a phalenopsis when the days start getting longer and into the summer, however. Hope this helps!!

[camille1585]

I agree with what Steve wrote.
My phal also has some red tipped aerial roots, and those are growing like crazy at the moment. Keep up the good work!!

[quiltergal]

The reddish tips on your aerial roots is a response to increased light levels. It's not bad and won't hurt your plant. I recently put mine under lights and am seeing the same thing with my aerial roots.

[dougd]

It may not be a true phal, but a Phal Alliance NOID. Could be a Dtsp. (Doritaenopsis)

[LinhT]

Thankyou everyone for all the useful info and ideas!! I'm glad to know the red tips are no worry.

Steve, here's the best pic I was able to get with my crappy camera. I moved my phal to the southeast window because the northeast & southeast windows did not provide enough light. My southeast window has my neighbor's giant pine tree right in front of it. In the summer I thank goodness for her tree but in autumn/winter I find myself silently cursing.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2058/...8fd01a22f6.jpg
I'm unclear on how to post pics here so hope this works...

[dougd]

Looks normal to me. Don't sweat the small stuff.

[Joanie]

Roots look fine to me.

[isurus79]

Ya, that means they should begin growing. They're healthy!!

[LinhT]

Excellent! I'll just kick back & wait for my blooms now.