Dead roots????

[VickiC]

Hi everyone,
Over the past several months, I have REALLY TRIED AND TRIED and SERIOUSLY TRIED SOME MORE to recognize dead roots from live roots, and so far, I have done a dreadful job! All of you have been very patient and have been wonderful teachers, but the problem is ME.....I just CANNOT get the hang of knowing which is which.....be it Phal, Catt., Onc. or whatever. I will definitely not give up, though....I shall overcome! lol

Ok, here is a picture that is?/was? my Mtssa. Dark Star. A leaf started turning yellow several days ago, and then progressed to all yellow, then fell off. THEN a second leaf went through the same process. I know what you're thinking...."what was SHE thinking....did she not have a clue something was wrong?!.....apparently not". I guess I was just waiting for it to "get well" on it's own. lol Who knows how my mind works....or doesn't, for that matter?!. Anyway, this morn. I pointed the poor plant out to my husband and he asked me if the thought had possibly crossed my mind to unpot it and take a look at the roots (quite sarcastically, might I add lol). I thought....what a brilliant idea! lol Sooooo, that's what I did this afternoon. Will someone please tell me what I have here....roots that are dead or alive??
I'm guessing that they are ready for the grave....correct?
I would appeciate any help!
Vicki