Help. Damaged roots when repotting

[Helen]

I had some lovely new, very very long, green tipped growing roots on my Epilaeliocattleya....I HAD to repot because months back the entire plant tilted sideways and all the new roots started growing up and straight out....it kept tipping over. Anyway, I repotted today, and of course, even though I had soaked the roots first for pliability, they bent and split (but didn't break off). They are of course damaged. My question, will they mend themselves over time? or have I damaged all of them and will I now have to wait for new roots yet once again! dah!
Thanks
Helen

[Ross]

Helen, the actual root is the thread in the center. The white stuff that cracks or breaks is called velamin. It's a cell growth designed to soak up water/nutrients. As long as the center thread is in tact the root is still good.

[Helen]

Originally Posted by Ross

Helen, the actual root is the thread in the center. The white stuff that cracks or breaks is called velamin. It's a cell growth designed to soak up water/nutrients. As long as the center thread is in tact the root is still good.

Wow, thanks Ross...I knew about the velamin soaking up water, but didn't think about it protecting the root so well! ...always learning on this great forum! Of course there is so much 'to' learn
Helen