Question regarding roots when repotting

[musicloveranthony]

I have recently (2 months ago) purchased a small Paphiopedilum Macabre (only one growth, with no new growths yet forming, hasn't yet bloomed) from a local nursery. The plant was repotted when i purchased it into new douglas fir bark medium. Today, I inadvertently knocked the plant over. The plant came loose from its medium and I had to repot it.

I was looking at the roots and thought some were dead. There were 4 old, brown roots that were about an 2cm long X 2mm thick, sticking straight down from the root/crown juncture as well as about 7, or 8 new roots about 4cm long X 5mm thick growing horizontally from the root/crown juncture. I (I know, now, incorrectly) removed the short, vertical roots assuming them to be dead. Upon examining them, i realized they were green inside. I decided to go ahead and repot the plant in the same medium, as it is only 2 months old.

My question is: Did removing the vertical, old roots doom the plant?

[WhiteRabbit]

Hi Anthony
welcome to OrchidBoard!
I am sure not an expert on paphs - but I would think since there is new root growth the plant will likely be ok.
I'm sure members who know more about paphs will chime in.

[RosieC]

Welcome to Orchid Board

Although like WhiteRabbit I'm not an expert on Paphs, I would also think it will be OK.

From your description the new roots are longer, thicker and there are more of them. So while leaving the old ones was probably best, it should cope on just the new roots.

[Ray]

Paphs can be picky about their roots. Some will react to that as if nothing has happened, others will just plain crap out.

Considering the general hardiness of that hybrid, I agree with the assessment that it will be fine.

[musicloveranthony]

I appreciate the welcomes and the responses! I'm fairly optimistic about the orchid surviving, but can't be too certain.