Yes all roots not developed for water culture will have a short life. However as you can see in this picture of a Den keiki, rotting roots (center of picture where I pinched off the rotting parts) can actually put out new functioning branches which seem to help develop brand new roots. You can also see the brand new roots, so I am not concerned that the old ones will not last long. It is producing a new growth and did not seem to skip a beat. It really depends on the plant. Some Oncids that did very poorly eventually showed typical signs of virus. My cheap virus test
I must add that I use growth stimulators, KLN in this case. Just a couple of drops per gallon with every change after the initial heavier priming when I first put them in water culture. I also try to keep the ambient temperature above 70degrees F most of the time.
I have not tried Paphs and and Phrags. Phals I found too much of a bother since the water kept creeping up into the crown which required too much cleaning. However, someone on another forum grew a couple of Phrag. seedlings in a vase and reported that they bloomed ahead of schedule.
am starting some orchids in water culture and wanted to know about the initial priming with KLN How much and for how long. Have enjoyed all the info from you on water culture. Hope I can be successful. thanks B.
Hi
Just wondered how your phal tolerated the change to water culture. It looks interesting and I might give it a go with one of mine.
Ann
sorry i took so long to answer i havent been on in a while. my phal tolerated it fine. it kept growing new new roots and losing old one. idk why they would die as fast as they grew. it grew lots of ne leaves. but then im not sure why it just stopped and died