The recommended low for Phalaenopsis is not much below 60F. A pic. would help.

Given good growing conditions your orchid might grow a new shoot from the base of the plant.

The Canadian Orchid Congress has a good set of Phalaenopsis culture notes written for orchid growers who live in places with cold winters.

Here is photos of this poor orchid. one of the top and both sides of the root "ball".

Does it give you anymore insight of the possibility if it might grow another plant from its roots?

Once the top leaves go, the crown is done and will not send out new leaves or blooms. The roots look healthy, so it's possible that your plant will try to send out a baby plant (basal keiki) but without any healthy leaves to photosynthesize, I'm thinking those chances are very slim. I'd trash that plant, personally.

Would there be any advantage/increase the likely hood of new growth from the roots if I changed its potting from a dark pot to one that would let part of the roots get more light themselves? Just out of curiosity, I'm going to go ahead and take care of it while it still has healthy roots and see what happens.

update - When looking at my orchid this afternoon, I noticed at the base of the crown, off to the side, there is what appears to be the beginning of leaves emerging. Just a nub, but definitely not roots so I think maybe I might be lucky. Guess I'll know for sure in a few weeks.

Would there be any advantage/increase the likely hood of new growth from the roots if I changed its potting from a dark pot to one that would let part of the roots get more light themselves?

Personally I would make sure the roots get as much light as possible to allow them to feed the developing keiki (assuming it is a keiki). Not too much-the same amount of light you would normally give a healthy phal should be fine.

Good luck!

Good going! You might get a baby plant. Could take years for it to bloom so that's up to you.

Jane

thanks. The challenge to see if I get a baby plant is enough. If I get to see it bloom, thats just icing on the cake. I've got others, I can enjoy their blooms.

When you see some change either way, please post an update. I'm really interested to know if that baby plant takes off and becomes an adult.

I definitely will. It has already doubled in length, so I don't have to squint to see it. I am pretty sure it is a plant, but if it keeps growing at this rate, a couple more weeks I should know for sure. I will post pictures in a few weeks and as it progresses.

Thank you for being as curious as myself.

UPDATE - small orchid growing to the side of the original crown. Its doing well. I am one happy camper !

Yay!

That's great! I am glad you didn't give up on it.

UPDATE December 4, 2017 - Its got a bloom stalk ! ! ! ! ! ! Should never give up ! ! ! ! It only took 10 months. Not bad for being having to come back from the roots. A definite WIN

Yes that was impressive...and it looked so healthy (the new growth)..amazed.