There are definite advantages and disadvantage when growing plants more like they do in nature, namely mounted. A distinct advantage is that it is practically impossible to overwater, and overwatering is the number one cause of death when growing orchids. Also, when growing mounted (whether hanging or presenting the mount horizontally), those growing roots are exposed, and for me at least, I like to see those roots attaching to the mount surfaces.
A disadvantage is that, since these plants dry out more quickly, they do require more frequent watering to grow their best. Where I might water my potted orchids every 10 days in the fall/winter and every week in the spring/summer, I water my mounted orchids every week in the fall/winter and every 3-5 days in the spring/summer (depends on heat). For those plants out in the greenhouses (or in the spring/summer, outside under oak trees), I water with a hose, using a "gentle-rain" attachment. For plants that are now in the solarium, I just fill my sink 3/4 with tepid water, add a bit of fertilizer so that it will be highly diluted, and put those mounted plants (upside down) in the sink. I let them soak for several minutes and then put them back up to drain. All my mounted plants hang. I do the same thing with my mounted staghorn ferns. Keep in mind that most orchids can handle drought-like conditions very well. They do the same in nature. If you were in the habit of watering orchids/staghorns(potted or mounted) once a month, and did this month-in and month-out, not only would your plants suffer but they could very well die.
