I may be wrong (I don't think so, but you never know), but if the root has
lost its fleshy part, and all you're left with is the "wiry core", they are
not "OK", but certainly are "less healthy", they're dead!

They might function to provide a mechanical anchor when repotting, but they
do nothing as far as absorbing water or nutrition for the plant.

--

Ray Barkalow - First Rays Orchids - www.firstrays.com
Plants, Supplies, Artwork, Books and Lots of Free Info!