Miltoniopsis morris chestnut, dead roots? Or still somewhat alive?

[Crazy_orchid_lady]

I’m an avid Phalaenopsis orchid owner and have recently branched out to other types. As such I have a fairly good idea what living orchid roots look like, but I want to be sure before I essentially remove all the roots of my miltoniopsis morris chestnut. I knew going in this was gonna be a tricky plant to keep but I underestimated the challenge. Any advice would be appreciated.

I do see some new green roots and a new little bud coming through so I have something to compare with but I’m seriously hoping somewhat brown roots are normal for this little guy or I think most of it gonna be a goner

Current care:
Kept in a humid, warm sun room (73+ F and at least 47% humidity, typically higher). Kept next to a small humidifier in front of a screened eastern window. Watered every other day (too frequent?). Potted in bark and moss mix with some perlite. I live in Chicagoland for reference.

[Shadeflower]

you cannot judge by looking at the roots or posting a picture. What you need to do is
step1: grab the orchid
step2: close your eyes and pretend you are blind
step3. feel the roots, squeeze them to get a feel for their firmness, tug gently on the end.
step4: tug on any that are squishy or hollow and the outer coating should slide right off. If they are firm, then leave them.

Fiinal and most important step: you need to remove the root stubs close to the base of the orchid and any old substrate stuck between the roots, basically anything old that will start to rot should be removed. Most of those roots look good but I can see a few stubs remaining that will affect the healthy roots next to them. The best tool to use is a dental pick or some tweezers. This part you do with your eyes open and plenty of light.
And as a last touch, give the roots a good rinse under the sink to remove any debris. still wedged in places.

Then repot into fresh media

I have circled what needs most attention and also a worrying black patch that I'd keep an eye on that it doesn't spread

[WaterWitchin]

If you want to proceed, what ShadeFlower says ^^. And not all orchid roots are "green" like you see when a Phal is watered. The roots don't look that bad to me. The black spot indicated, I'd sure keep my eye on.

[estación seca]

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

I strongly recommend at this, the start of your orchid journey, you forget you ever heard about cutting off roots, and never do it. You will be far ahead of the game. Miltoniopsis resent being unpotted and stripped of medium. Your plant may not recover from this.

Miltoniopsis and Phals prefer different growing temperatures. They may survive if grown similarly, but one or the other will not be happy.

[WaterWitchin]

Originally Posted by estación seca

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

I strongly recommend at this, the start of your orchid journey, you forget you ever heard about cutting off roots, and never do it. You will be far ahead of the game. Miltoniopsis resent being unpotted and stripped of medium. Your plant may not recover from this.

Miltoniopsis and Phals prefer different growing temperatures. They may survive if grown similarly, but one or the other will not be happy.

Good advice for a beginner. I forget that critical piece from time to time. I do tend to cut some roots, but if you're not SURE don't cut.

73F is fine for daytime for Miltoniopsis, and 80F is about the max for them. They do best and flower better with a 10-15 degree temperature drop at night if you can accomplish that. Phals can grow warmer...Milts cannot.

[Roberta]

Even if some of the roots are dead, leave them... you can rinse them, that will remove some surface crud. But once you get fresh medium in the pot, so that there is air along with the moisture the environment is not conducive to spreading rot. I'm with ES on this one... forget everything you have heard about cutting roots (and pretty much anything else) If you don't cut something that is dead, it won't hurt the plant - part of nature. If you cut something that turns out to not be dead you can't glue it back on. Observe your plant - it time you will learn what is similar to other types and what is different.The process can't be rushed. And orchids do everything sloowwwly.