Did they grow any new roots while in the water and if so are they different from other Phal roots? I'm guessing they wouldn't need to grow velum underwater.

Orchids grow roots exactly suitable for the condition they grow in. They all look alike but in reality are different.

When I put this plant into water, it had a gaggle of healthy roots. As expected they all died and rotted away since they were not grown for water. It takes a little nerve to watch this. At the same time new roots formed which look the same but appear to be structured for water. Since lunch is served up every minute of the day, it does not need very many. All the roots you see in the first picture formed after it was place into water and it is making additional ones very slowly, no need I guess.

I have done this before and know that if one takes this plant and puts it in bark, all the water roots will die and waste away as it makes new roots suitable for bark. I hope that answers your question.

Nick

Have always said orchids are tough old birds........now guess I will have to add cunning to that......They are truly fascinating plants when you get to know them.

Bill

This is fascinating. So did you amend the water at all? Was it RO water..tap... spring water?

Just my regular watering stuff. Tap water with a little fertilizer.

Nick