Bifoliate loosing leaves and turning black

[luvmyorchid]

Hello Cattleya gurus! So I have this bifoliate in the last two weeks abort it's new roots and looks like the newest growth is turning black. Also is loosing leaves but seems to be on oldest growths. I'm feeding msu weakly weekly and flushing and also do kelpmax once a month. It lives under Jeff Young's grow lights in 60 to 75 percent humidity. I'm so scared for my other plants this is the only one doing this? I haven't repotted due to the fact it aborted the new roots. Almost like rootburn? I am at a loss.....please guide me fellow orchiholics!

[Orchidtinkerer]

I am certainly no Cattleya expert but I can recognise the signs of old substrate. As the bark breaks down it acidifies which can cause root tips to die off. and locks up Nutrients.
The plant looks in good shape overall. Some fresh media and it should recover just fine.
How long have you had it?

[luvmyorchid]

I've had it since July this year and it bloomed in August on the newest growth.

[estación seca]

The leaves look as though they either have heat damage or aren't getting enough water. In humidity like yours roots dying often are caused by insufficient water. What are your day/night temperatures?

I personally would not repot a bifoliate Cattleya unless healthy roots were just forming, not even if media are old.

[luvmyorchid]

They are indoors under lights daydime temps 75 ish and nightime 65 to 75. I feel like I am a notorious overwaterer. When I noticed the black root tips I used the humidity from 60 percent to between 70 and 80 percent.

[isurus79]

Might be overwatering then! Trying backing off a bit. At those temps, I can't imagine watering more than 1x per week.

[luvmyorchid]

Yeah I have no intention of repotting untill I have some new healthy roots. Do I need to worry about the black on the pb? I have really good air flow and these lights don't put off alot of heat. It sits about 6 inches from the top of the plant to the light.

[rbarata]

Try to increase your day temps, something around 28ºC and instead of watering normally, start by misting slightly (and consistently everyday) the medium. Your goal is to make the top half of the medium slightly humid.
When new roots start to grow, then consider repoting or increase watering.

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[SouthPark]

The bark certainly does look a bit dry for sure.

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[luvmyorchid]

Thank you all so much my trusty orchid enthusiasts. Being only one year into this hobby and 75 plus plants I need help on sooo many levels😂🤦🏼*♀️