Question
I was attempting to separate my 4 year old Lady's Slipper into 2 separate plants because it appeared to be 2 plants.  The 2 plants snapped apart but all the roots stayed on one plant.  I have set the rootless plant in a dish of water, and so far, it looks healthy (its been 2 weeks).  Is there any chance it will grow roots?

Answer
Hello Brown,

Chances are "iffy" with your lady slipper orchid with no roots growing any roots while sitting in water.  This is not to say it won't happen, just that it may or may not happen.  Why do I say this?  Because it does not need roots to search for and take up water to keep it alive.  

Since it has continued to look healthy, I'd suggest keeping it in water for now.  If the leaves begin to wilt, then that would indicate that it is not able to sustain itself and needs a change such as being potted.  

If it does look like it is in trouble, write back and I'll try to give you some things to do to try to keep it alive.  

Good luck.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.