Cut off all the dead roots - yes or no?
Years ago I concluded that it was a mistake to remove all the seemingly dead roots when re-potting an orchid that had suffered root loss. The conclusion was based on two observations:
1) After I amputated all the dead roots while re-potting Phalaenopsis with sodden media and many dead roots, the plant often went downhill very rapidly.
2) Sometimes orchids have healthy roots and may even have new roots developing at a point beyond a section that has turned brown and become flaccid.
There is, of course, a point where a root is completely dead and does nothing, but I don't remove all dead roots when re-potting anymore. It seems as though the core of a root can remain alive and at least a little bit functional after the fleshy outer parts have become rotten.
Thoughts?
K-Sci
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