I watched the phals I'm growing do pretty much the same thing; roots first, then leaves and roots. Two have spiked since then, their first ones. It may simply be they like to get their feet in the ground first, so to speak [yeah, I know, epiphytes, but 'feet in the air?'] - adapt to new conditions by finding a moisture source, then new vegetative growth. However, I've been told phals seem to make their own rules to an extent, which I also find to be true.

You will know the light level by the leaf color first; too dark, they need more light. grassy, light greens is what you're looking for. Too much light they will tinge with maroon and yellow; new leaves will be smaller than the previous set.

fluorescent lights are the least expensive to set up. there are sticky threads with some good info here...do a search, there'll be plenty of posts to read. I'm using Phillips Natural Sunshine bulbs in a wardian case for a few plants, they have all the same light ratings as the high-priced fluorescents marketed as 'grow lights'....

others here will undoubtedly have more info.....

p