C. Ovalis browning at leaf base

[gable]

my ovalis' leaves are browning at the base and I'm worried that they may fall off if disturbed. does anyone know why this may be? is this natural when it is in flower as this is the first bud to appear. it feels dry in texture as opposed to the goopy texture I'd expect for a fungal infection, but infection is still a possibility?

any help would be much appreciated!