Root cut or leave on?

[OrdridPete]

If you have a root that is alive and green but its black at the base of the root but its attached to the stem, would you cut it off?

[camille1585]

Color is usually not a good indiction of root health. Mineral deposits, low humidity, tannins from bark, etc can stain roots various shades of brown. Sometimes the velamen layer might be dark and shriveled looking for other reasons but it generally doesn't affect root function. (The true root is the wiry thread in the middle, the outer layer is a sort of sponge to trap moisture).

So short answer to your question, I would not cut it off.