What do I do with this mass of roots when repotting?

[peeweelovesbooks]

I am ruthless when repotting. I trim off any dead roots--no matter how many. I think it makes for a healthier plant in the long run.

Root balls like that one require patience and lots and lots and lots of water. But, it can be done.

Good luck and I hope your plant springs back quickly.

[RosieC]

Thanks Maria. These didn't seem dead, otherwise I would have been happy to cut them away. I always remove dead roots when repotting.

Anyway, fingers crossed

[RJSquirrel]

those gnarly root balls like the original pic mirrored my miltonia. the same as others I did find a piece of that floral foam soaking wet stuffed up inside the void..Hes all better now and thanks for the tip on why not to stuff anything up in the voids f there isnt any rootstock. I cut away most of the root mass as it was dead and smelly. Then dipped the left overs in Root hormone and re-pot in some fresh moss...we see how he do in a few weeks ... good stuff