Question
hello my name is jessica, and i have an orchid. and the roots on the top look died. do i cut them off or what. the roots on the bottom look good just the roots on the top.. what do i need to do.

Answer
Jessica, the roots on the top have developed a covering to prevent them from drying out.  You should obtain some fresh orchid potting mix and repot your orchid.  Orchid potting mix usually contains some fir bark and other ingredients that allow air to flow to the roots while maintaining some moisture so the roots don't dry out.  Orchid potting mix is usually quite dry when you buy it so it should be soaked for an hour or two before you use it.  Unpot your plant and rinse its roots off.  Dead roots are mushy and healthy roots are firm.  Remove the dead roots before repotting.  Repot into a plastic pot with lots of holes in the bottom.  Only remove those roots that are mushy.  The firm roots are essential for future growth of your plant.