Can a Phalaenopsis orchid grow new roots if it is suspended to induce rooting and placed upside down in water?

In recent years, the Phalaenopsis orchid has been the "white moonlight" in everyone's hearts, and many people buy it as soon as they see a flower stall! But quite a few people, after enjoying the flowers at home, find that the roots begin to show signs of rotting away completely. So these roots that look perfectly fine, are they really beyond saving?

In fact, Phalaenopsis orchids with this kind of root rot can absolutely be rescued. Don't worry, everyone. Why am I so sure they can be saved? Because I have experienced it firsthand, and I used the "suspended root induction method" to save more than a dozen Phalaenopsis orchids in roughly the same condition. So how exactly do you do it?

First, carefully take the Phalaenopsis orchid out of the pot. The old potting medium stuck to the stem and roots must be completely cleaned off (cut back until you reach clean tissue). During this process, you may find that the original fleshy roots are nothing but empty shells and thin threads. These lost their absorption function long ago, and keeping them will only breed bacteria. You must use sterilized scissors for this. Then look at the bottom of the stem and clean off any old leaf remnants, dried leaf sheaths, or blackened areas.

Second, soak all the cut wounds and the cleaned stem in a disinfectant solution for a few minutes (soak in a chlorothalonil solution for a few minutes). If you don't have that, wiping with alcohol pads also works. Then find a clean, transparent container, such as a glass cup or a cut plastic bottle. The purpose is to be able to check the water level and see whether new roots are emerging at any time.

Then, the "suspended root induction" method: first pour a little clear water into the container. The key is that the water surface must be far below the bottom of the plant! Place the Phalaenopsis orchid in it so that the stem is suspended and does not touch the water. This is because a rootless Phalaenopsis orchid tends to rot if soaked in water. Relying on the moisture above the water surface creates a humid yet breathable environment, which is what stimulates new root growth. The new roots will then grow healthily toward the water source.

Finally, remember a few care details. Find an environment at 25-30°C; with enough warmth, roots grow faster. There should also be bright, indirect light. Check the water in the container regularly, and add a little when it evaporates. Never fertilize during this process; fertilizing before there are new roots will only burn the stem. It is normal for the leaves to wilt and wrinkle, as the plant is consuming its own reserves.