white roots?

[kandg]

Hi. I received two orchids a year ago and unfortunately do not know what kind they are. The flowers died rather quickly and I have had limited luck in having them re-flower. But both now have many of what appear to be rather long thick white things (roots?) coming out from near the bottom of the plant and extending out into the air. Does anyone know what this is, and what I should do? The plants are in the original containers from the orchid nursery and they have not really grown. Thanks.