Hi, lara. Root hormones work, they really do. You can get them in powders, gels and liquid forms. I've used them on tropicals and houseplants for many years, and on orchids successfully for about five years. You paint the gel or powder or rootless pieces, or can paint the gel on existing poor roots or root nubs. The liquid (eg Dyna Grow KLN, or Hormex) can be used as a watering solution each time you water, and encourage root growth. Check out the websites of Charlie's Greenhouse or Worms' Way to see the different kinds available, and the prices. They are sometimes called "cloning" or "propagation" solutions. This time of year, plus the root hormones, you should be able to get good roots started and maintained on your orchids. There have been a number of threads here on re-rooting rootless orchids. If you do a search, you may be able to find some of them. Search for "root", "rootless" or "re-rooting", see what you get. One useful thread was entitled something like "don't give up on your rootless phals". Sphagnum moss around the area where roots would form helps maintain a humid and slightly moist environment that encourages roots. Good luck.

thx mar .... got to entertain myself.. so may as well entertain you all .. lol ... actually i am very shy at parties ... anyway .. i cant keep track of every poster.. my first inclination is to shy newbies away from chemicals ... i once read the homeowner is the greatest polluter on earth.. using more chemicals per acre.. than a good farmer will use on 100 acres ... if the plant a few bucks.. why go nuclear ??? on the other hand.. as a guy who used to pay $250 for a hosta ... aka a hardcore collector.. i fully understand that there are many others of us ... that work in realm that includes the nuclear option.. but we tend to PROPERLY ID our nemesis's ... work on a preventive basis .. and use all cures properly and according to labeled instruction ... but i still stand by my statement.. that if it is rot.. odds are low for recovery ... but i didnt know about the evil weevil.. hmmmm .. regardless.. something is happening to the roots that is interfering in water movement to the upper plant ... and you wont know.. until you dig it up ... rot has a significant olfactory aroma .... you will now.. when you smell it ... think diaper .. lol .. ken

So much orchid info on the WWW that sometimes you end up even more confused. Heather you don't list your location, but if you're any where near a large city you should try to find An orchid society. Just Google for 'orchid society in city, state'. It's so helpful to get local information and so much other good to come your way thru joining a club. your roots look good! I generally try to keep cinnamon away from roots. I do use it dusted lightly on a break of a root. I use cinnamon on cuts on leaves and prefer to use peroxide on roots. welcome to the forum! Lots of experienced growers here willing to try answering questions. We all seem to need advice at one time or other.

I would unpot it, get rid of all rotten roots or parts thereof, give the roots a good wash (use the kitchen sprayer or such) to remove the medium. You may or may not spray the roots with hydrogen peroxide depending on how much rot there is (there is a school of thought that H2O2 kills al the good bacteria on the roots and sets the plant back that way, so if there isn't too much rot, hold that H2O2 spray). If you don't have any media for potting up for a week, you could just put in a mason jar or a vase with the roots hanging in and leaves resting above the neck. Give the roots a good spray of water every day or whenever they seem dry (white opaque vs. green or white translucent when hydrated). Pot it up when you have the media. Better grow orchid bark potting mix at HD or Lowes should be a good choice unless you are in hot climate where you may need more sphagnum moss in the mix. Good Luck. I don't know about the food. Reuse it if the rot is not too bad. Use it for some other plant if in doubt.