Question
this is my mothers plant and shes had it on the dinning table for quite a few years. the last year it has had like roots growing from the top of the plant where the leaves are... why does this happen and what should one do?

Answer
Jillian, while it is natural for orchids to have aerial roots, it is also possible that, in pot culture, aerial roots are generated due to unfavorable conditions in the potting mix.  If you have not recently repotted the plant it should be done (it is generally recommended that this be done after each flowering).

First step is to obtain a small quantity of fir-bark based orchid potting mix.  Then soak the fresh orchid potting mix while you are unpotting the plant. Discard the old potting mix and rinse off the roots.  I expect that you will find some rotted roots (rotted roots are mushy--healthy roots are firm).  Remove the rotted roots before repotting the plant in the fresh orchid potting mix.  You may be able to repot it in the same pot if you have lost several roots-- otherwise go to a slightly larger plastic pot with lots of drainage holes in the bottom.  Be sure the aerial roots are soaked until green as this makes them less brittle.  Try to work some of the areial roots into the fresh orchid potting mix. Use caution to not unduly bend the aerial roots in trying to work them into the potting mix.  It isn't necessary that they be in the potting mix, but generally do better there because they stay a bit moister.  If all are at the very top of the plant, there is not much you can do to work them into the potting mix until future repottings when you have lost some of the older leaves. I would not remove the roots because they have chlorophyll and do serve a useful purpose.