The roots on an older plant will be thin but tough and often dense. Young, small plants won't have those fibrous roots but grown in well-draining, open potting soil, they can fill a small pot. Just keep in mind that these roots are for anchorage and not nourishment. You won't do any particular damage to the plant if you severe some roots.
Oddly enough, I am presently chatting with another "Cheryl" who lives in FL and wants to purchase some orchids. At first I thought that this might be you, but when I looked at her location, I knew otherwise.
