What about repotting now (winter) if my Miltoniopsis seems in trouble

[Dorothyandtoto]

I just acquired a miltoniopsis that has some new growth, about a cm or 2 tall. Some new growth has wrinkled leaves, some with brown tips. The roots dont look bright and clean like I think they should and the potting medium looks a bit broken down. Since it may be in trouble is it okay to repot it now even though every article I see says not this time of year? I live in PA, so it is definitely mid to late winter here. If I repot, should I trim old roots if they are just brown looking but not slimy or rotted?
Thanks
Dot

[prc11]

I usually don't shy away from repotting in the winter. I now grow under lights but before I would usually just repot when there are new roots. I always say that I have saved more orchids repotting than not.

[fleshera]

It is my philosophy that if you have reason to believe that your roots are damaged or rotting, repot. Remember, these plants are hardy and can take repotting "out of season". Carefully remove any damaged roots with clean and sharp instruments. Thoroughly remove all potting material and rinse roots with clean lukewarm water. Inspect entire plant for insect damage and the bottom of the pot for insects. Clean pot and use fresh growing medium to repot. Wrinkled leaves are a sign of under-watering. Regards and good luck. Alan

[silken]

I would re-pot. I don't have a lot of experience with Miltoniopsis but have had a few for nearly two years now. From what I have read, they do not like old potting media and should be potted every year unless the media looks real good. What is yours potted in? My first 2 were in a mix of med/fine bark and a bit of perlite. They did OK but then one started to struggle. I have read that lots of people have good luck with sphagnum moss and a some perlite or charcoal to open it up and the charcoal keeps it fresher. I have a few potted like that and they seem quite happy. I water them just before they become totally dry and I haven't had too many crinkled leaves.

[Dorothyandtoto]

I am relieved that there is a consensus! I have taken all offered information and have just completed the repotting. Luckily the roots that were not visible were very good light colored and firm looking. No evidence that I can see of insects or rot. I cleaned out the pot, and roots well and repotted in a combo of bark/perlite and charcoal. I have heard of using sphagnum, but have read of some concern about moisture retention with that. The soil that was removed looked much like regular potting soil with a few pieces of bark every once in a while. I feel good about doing this now, appreciate all the support thanks!
Dot

[silken]

Good to hear it had healthy roots! Good luck with it. Is it a NOID or do you have a name? I love Milts.

[Dorothyandtoto]

The label says Miltoniopsis Planis and a bar code, no other information. So I would say I'll never know exactly what it is! They are gorgeous. I sure hope this one makes it!
Dot

[silken]

Oh well, NOID's are always a fun surprise. Hope it does well for you.

[Dorothyandtoto]

Thanks! and thanks for the assistance
Dot