I've been looking into water culture myself. I haven't tried it yet, but I've picked up a few things. I would expect the roots to die since they are not adapted to the water culture environment, but new ones should come right out and they will be adjusted to the new environment. From what I've read, an air pump or something like that isn't necessary, since the algae provides the roots with oxygen. Although it might be interesting to experiment with an air pump.

I'm hoping to experiment with water culture in my horticulture class this semester. If I do, I'll be sure to post my experience. Looking forward to hearing how it goes for anyone else trying it too!

I admire the success in this case, Congratulations!

on the other hand, it is not for me... looks weird....

Wow, I can't believe this thread! I thought chids can't stand to sit in water?? Rot!?

There's a member here who grows the most amazing orchids, all in water. For those interested:

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...r-culture.html

Chids can't stand wet feet when they are grown in a medium. The rot is caused by the degrading medium and the water, but when grown in just water, many orchids do quite well. However, many orchids can't adapt to water culture. So it's a bit of an experiment. Seriously check out the link Sandy posted.

To get more precise, root rot is caused by suffocation, not by water.

Additionally, as they grow, root cells tailor themselves to the environment they are in. Therefore, when moving from one set of conditions to another, all new roots need to be grown (if the conditions are similar enough, that may not be the case). Pull a plant from a dry medium and submerge the roots in water, and they will die. If the plant is growing new roots into the liquid, they will be "built" for it and will be fine.