Aerides Houlletiana dropping leaves from the bottom up

[markalolo]

Hi! I've had this Aer. Houlletiana for about 4 months. It's started dropping leaves from the bottom. The leaves will be green and happy, then get yellow near the stem and drop off within a few days. I suspect some encroaching fungus or virus.

I emailed the grower and she suggested the plant was just stressed. I moved it into more light a couple weeks ago as it had become fully shaded due to the sun moving lower as winter approaches. It's getting about 3k foot-candles at peak, which should be fine (?).

Thinking about cutting off below the healthy leaves and seeing if the crown can throw new roots.

Help!