Ken, I was given two starts a year apart, neither of which survived. They were the variegated one, which I think is a bit wimpier anyway. Then I bought a nice start from you that lived a year but didn't grow and died the next year.
It's a case of "if I knew then what I know now" but I'm pretty sure I just didn't keep them warm enough or feed them properly. I was more dedicated to growing my orchids outdoors year round back then. Now I know how much better they grow in the warm weather if I just coddle them a bit when it's cold. My fert and watering have improved, too.
I've also abandoned (or at least modified) my moral stand against using chemicals, and am embarking on a minimalist fungicide regimen that I hope will help my orchids survive the outdoor situation better. We'll see how that part goes this summer . . . that's an "Anticipation" subject for sure!
