water culture.

[pinkham]

Hi everyone
Another newbie question...surprise, surprise :P
First I will start by saying that I'm a forum wh*re. haha
I was reading that some people have successfully saved phals with virtually no roots by putting them suspended in a jar of water. To be clear, the plant is in the water, not suspended over it.
They have left their phals in water after new roots appear, and say that the plant is thriving.
Have any of you more experienced people tried this?
The reason I'm asking is that lowe's in my area always has dying orchids on sale here (noid phals) and this would be a great way to build a collection of orchids at a really great price. I know a lot of people think noids are a waste of time....I ain't one of them. haha My orchids want more friends....other than the houseplants they have stared at for the past 3 years.
thoughts?