Question
Hi,
I recently purchased a Phalaenopsis orchid from Trader Joes and i am having trouble taking care of it. Unfortunately Trader Joes didn't take care of the orchid because almost all the roots were dead. So to avoid further damage i chopped all the dead roots off and placed the plant in a bottle with a little water and covered  the plant with a plastic bag to create a humid green house effect. The leaves are still green and the flowers are droppy but still intact on the stem. What should i do to regrow the roots? is there a chance to save the plant? I live in southern California. Thank you for your help.

Answer
Thanks for your question Amin. Yes, I think there is a chance to save your plant. Your idea of increasing the humidity level is a good one, but, placing the roots in stagnant water just invites more root rot.  I recommend that you repot the plant in fresh orchid potting mix (seedling size)and place the pot into a plastic bag that has a bit of damp sphagnum moss in the bottom.  The latter will create the higher humidity needed by this distressed plant. Try to avoid setting the pot and/or plant in water.  Healthy roots are firm whereas dead roots are mushy so, hopefully, you did not remove any healthy roots.  If you have any droopy leaves, expect to lose them as they likely have lost the roots that conduct fluids and nutrients to them. I would remove the flowers as they drain the plant of needed nutrients. The recovery will be slow as the plant will need to adjust to the new growing conditions.  Try to maintain a temperature of 65-80 degrees and use only indirect or artificial lighting.  Normally, phalaenopsis do not require bright light and, your plant requires even less.  In repotting the plant use the smallest plastic pot that has lots of drainage holes.  You may place that pot into a clay pot for support.