Woody brown area on cattleya

[rbarata]

Cattleyas must be watered as they get dry.
If you're sure it's dry by dusk, then you should water them.

When the roots grow out of the pots, this might mean they are running away from it, i.e., there's something wrong with it. In your case, growing in and later they come out is normal.

If the spot is not spreading, then it's ok.