Cracked and shriveled aerial roots

[SouthPark]

Originally Posted by lindasbabies

If you can just imagine an orchid with just the beginnings of roots sticking out under it, that’s what they look like. One of the phals has one longer root but that’s it.

Beginnings of new roots is a fantastic sign - excellent sign.

The other phal with a single long root ----- is good. One is definitely better than none, that's for sure.

I think if you keep maintaining the good conditions you're currently giving it - and to not over-do it, then your phal is going to make a great comeback.

Originally Posted by lindasbabies

One of the phals has one longer root but that’s it.

That's the one that I assume to have an 'aerial' root only, with the rest of the stem in the media having no roots, and no sign of new root growth. That's the one where the deep and wide pot method could be handy.

But it all depends on where that root is on the plant, and the orientation of that root etc. Sometimes, if the root is heading upward - and can't be gently coaxed down into the media without snapping/breaking, then some other recovery method would need to be considered - like the one you're applying now.