Fear not, cutting off a root will not harm your plant. I wouldn't bet on that root actually growing a new plant. If it was a flower spike, you'd have a chance.

I think you may be able to create mericlones from the root tip.
But it is a very tedious process with a lot of obstacles.

Thanks for the follow up. Wetfeet101b: Do you have any more specific info on how that is done, or could you point me in the right direction. The severed root is very green and I would rather not give up on it until I know that I cannot make it grow.

You need laboratory equipment to make mericlones. Phalaenopsis do not sucker like some garden plants but sometimes new growths from the base of the plant or make keikis on the flowering stem instead of flowers.

I have never seen a plantlet form on a root.

Need to know more. Read the stuff about Tissue culture (mericlones) in this link.

Here is a link that might be useful: Useful info.

Hi Redwelder, I have been doing a lot of research over the last several months that relates to the micropropagation of orchids thru meristems. Paphs are very difficult to clone thru any other meristems than leaf cuttings. Even then, you still need a medium with a high concentration of nutrients & hormones in order to induce the formation of new plantlets from the explants cells. The root will probably stay green for a few days or maybe a week, but eventually the root is gong to desiccate. If you are interested in making clones of your favorite Phalaenopsis or other orchids with nodes on the inflorescence check out this link.
http://www.orchideenvermehrung.at/cgi-local/framebreaker/reload.pl?english/nodes/in%20vitro/index.htm

This is where I got started many months ago. The site gives you a great beginnerÂs guide to "do it yourself" micropropagation (actually this site talks specifically about invitro node propagation). Good luck!

-Ray-

I want to thank everyone for the wonderful feedback. I will check out the sites that were suggested, and wish you all luck with your various endeavours...
-Steph-(redwelder23)