are these miltoniopsis roots healthy?
 

http://i30.tinypic.com/2s6pk3m.jpg

can anyone tell me if these Miltoniopsis roots are healthy? They look slightly brown, but they are not soft and mushy... also.. it looks rather wet, but I just watered it this morning. It is normally 3-4 days in between waterings.

Could the brown be because the plant gets on the dry side in bewteen waterings?

also, it needs to be re-potted, and the roots are on the sides of a clay pot.. could that also be a reason why the look that way?

thnx

http://i31.tinypic.com/2w7ldw9.jpg
heres another pic, with more of the plant in it...

looks fine to me but i think maybea repot with fresh media would be in order

ok... hmm... well thanks for the insight. I'm just nervous that its being overwatered.. even though it takes only 4 days to dry out ( i usually water every 3 days). I had it outside last summer...and it grew nice healthy roots. I didnt really check them then.. so I can't compare.

Would you split this plant? also, should i separate the roots and trim them a bit? I have it in sphagnum moss right now. In your opinion, would it be better to put it in new moss, or change it to fine bark?

thanks :)

The roots look fine, even looks like they are growing a little. Division is a personal pref. A bigger plant will give you more flowers! Culture note: the wrinkling in the leaves is caused from under watering. These guys don't like it to be soggy, but like to stay moist at all times. Make sure it never dries out completely.

The only reason why I would want to split it is because it seems to be growing upwards rather than across... the new growths always grow in between one another, in the middle of the plant. As you see in the picture, one of the original pseudobulbs is a lot furthur down than the new growth. Should I just plant it lower in the mix, with the newest ones level with the top of the media?

thanks :)

I have had one for years, and it just seems to be an untidy grower. It sends up new growth from the middle, and the sides, and there are roots all over inbetween. Personally I think they look better as speciman plants but that's just my :twocents: .

Just for what it's worth, the miltoniopsis expert in our society says that if it needs more than a 6" pot, it should be divided.

My personal preference it to let them go wild and crazy as long as it is still healthy. I'm no expert on miltonopsis, I just pass on knowledge given to me from others. My conditions are a little warmer than they like so I have no more myself. If you do keep it as is, plant it like it is now. If you plant it to deep you could risk smothering the older bulbs. Then again on the other hand, dividing it could kick start some new growths and you may have 2 nice sized clumps in notime! It's all up to you and there's no wrong way here!