cattleya help

[Clawhammer]

I think the plant was overwatered based on the way the new growth is behaving, the wavy dehydrated looking leaf that is in focus on the first pic, and the look of the roots.

[Roberta]

New roots are just starting. so this is a good time to repot.

[Shadeflower]

ok yep it' definetely a sheath.

But it wasn't that visible when I first mentioned it but the close up of the latest roots are undeniable - the media is degraded and the new roots are not too happy looking.

This one need a repot and remove any degrading roots.

It will be a lot happier after that.

I asked about the fertilizer because it looks like too much fertilizer has been used based on the brown markings on the new roots already.

All these things can be fixed but long term feeding too much will cause unnecessary problems. I'll just leave my advice out there, we all have to figure out what they need somehow so when the plant gives us signs like a leaf that grows smaller then the sheath, very black looking roots, new roots not actively growing like they should then you need to figure out why.

I honestly see roots that are about to abort growing. The new green tips are receding. Add the brown markings and the roots are telling you they are not too happy at the moment. Leave it too long and the tips will turn black.