Regrowing from roots?

[Angurek]

I have two orchids (which I will leave unspecified, for the purpose of keeping this general) that have been reduced to a bunch of healthy, white roots without foliage.

I unpotted the plants to make a final diagnosis, thinking that maybe the roots had rotted due to excess moisture. The leaves had succumbed to fungal rot, and I was unable to save them (not even the new leads). Much to my surprise, however, the roots were actually healthy and even growing, showing little stress.

My question is, in general, is it possble to regrow an orchid from just roots, or should I just pitch them and get new plants?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

It depends on whether the meristem supporting the roots is still alive. If it is, then you're okay. You won't know until time has progressed a little. You should know within a week or two if the roots will hold up and support new growth.

If you're referring to certain plants with rhizomes and tiny to no pseudobulbs, as long as the rhizomes or miniscule pseudobulbs are still alive, the plant is still alive and can continue to grow from the "eyes".

[Angurek]

Thanks for the info, king. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

As of today, the roots are still plump and fleshy. I hope the plant will produce some leads (fingers crossed!)

[RosieC]

WhiteRabbit had a Phal regrow from just roots. As Philip has said it depends on whether the meristem is intact, if it is, and if you can keep it healthy then it should be able to grow again.

[tucker85]

You need to decide if it's worth the trouble. Even if you start to get some new growth it could be two or three years before developing new flowers. If it's favorite plant it may be worth the effort. But you might be better off to throw it out and get a new healthy orchid.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

It might be worth it if the plant is rarely sold...