Rust colored sticky substance with dieback

[Skoester]

Hoping someone can help me diagnose this. I noticed that one of my fairrieanums had lost its new growth which was rather rusty colored. I noticed that a couple of my other fairrieanums were beginning to develop rust colored edges on the leaves. Just repotted them and roots all look great. Started to repot a nearby wardii and noticed that it appears to have something similar going on but the leaves in the center are noticeable sticky. Roots look health as well. No noticeable sign of insects or smell. The wardii looks like a goner. Hoping to save the fairrieanum.

 

[Ozpaph]

i would guess spider mites if it wipes off a 'rust colour' on a white tisse (check under the leaves, too).

 

[NYEric]

Mites.

 

[Skoester]

i would guess spider mites if it wipes off a 'rust colour' on a white tisse (check under the leaves, too).

Thanks! You are correct. I wasn’t expecting mites since no signs of webbing but that appears to be what it is. Looks a little different on orchids than when I’ve seen it on other houseplants.