Cattleya Black Spots - Treatment Advice Needed

[Jfc725]

Hello,

I am a relatively new to the orchid community. I have an ailing orchid and I could use some advice. I have had this cattleya orchid for a year and a half. It started out green and thick and now it has become withered and spotted. Any advice how to treat would be appreciated. Specifically, what went wrong, how should I treat and what should I expect moving forward?
Here is some history.

1. Plant had full west light for first 6 months with open shade. I live in NJ.
2. I watered once a week by running under sink and let drain.
3. Changed medium a year into having plant
4. Apartment environment is Central air (76 degrees spring/summer) and heat (78 degrees).
5. Plant was alone for first 3 months. Then added citrus plants for the winter and fought scale on those plants. This spring added more orchids and bromeliads to collection.
6. Pulled down shade and opened 50% to limit the sunlight for the past 4-5 months.

Thanks.
JFC

[catttan]

Check for red spider mites on the underside of the leaves. I hate to be an alarmist but I would not rule out virus.

[Jfc725]

Check for red spider mites on the underside of the leaves. I hate to be an alarmist but I would not rule out virus.

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---------- Post added at 06:44 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:41 AM ----------

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I check the plant often and I have never seen mites. I have used Bayer natura insecticidal soap spray once or twice. Thanks for the feedback and appreciate any additional thoughts.
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[tucker85]

Is it just that one leaf? It may be that the one leaf is dying. That sometimes happens. I don't think it needs to be treated with anything. The orchid looks a little dehydrated. Cattleyas do prefer to dry out between waterings but when you do water it, take it to a sink and water really well. Maybe do that a little more often than you have been but still let the media dry between. Large cattleyas require a lot of light also. I see your phalaenopsis is closer to the light than the cattleya. Catts need more light than a phalaenopsis. Good luck.

[Ryan Young]

It looks to be bacterial from what i can see, plants under stress are susceptible to infections easier, from the appearance of leaves looks like it has been dried out a few times, either due to low humidity or low water intake, (lack of roots / infrequent watering) increase air movement to keep bacteria at bay, and up your watering routine like tucker said.
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[Jfc725]

All my leaves look like they have seen better days. I moved the cattleya back from the light because i thought j mkght be burning the leaves. If it is bacterial then is air movement the only solution ? Also are the black areas that have taken over the leaves permanent? While I don't expect the leaves to be plush and plump again how will I know if the plant is getting better?
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Thanks. All the leaves look the same. Is the black stuff permanent? Is air movement the only solution to bacteria? Will the black stuff decrease as the plant gets better? Appreciate all the help and support.
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[Puppies2]

Having been born and raised in NJ for the first 20 years of my life, the state does not have enough humidity for the catt or phal. Unless you live in the Jersey shore area. Do you have a humidifier? That would help with the dehydration problem as well as watering more often. As others have said, good air movement is essential. Good luck

[Jfc725]

Thanks all for the responses. Keeping my fingers crossed.
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[Desdinova]

If you live in a dry area, I suggest repotting in sphagnum moss, so you don't have to water every day. It will take a little time to adjust to it. But it helps a lot. I grow almost everything in it, including my walkerianas.