Lin, your orchids are wonderful! I know lots of people here who grow orchids out in their gardens, and pretty much just ignore them. If you can get them acclimated, and established in a spot they like - they're survivors! Selby Gardens has huge Laelias in their oak trees that bloom wonderfully in the early spring. No cold protection or anything.
I'm no expert on catts, for sure, but I've learned that when they are threatening to bloom they do need more water, Gigi. Otherwise the sheaths just dry up. Grim experience speaking here . . .
When I was out taking those pictures, I discovered something else - my Vandas are really loving all the rain! New growth, both leaves and roots coming on! I guess you can't overwater a bare-root Vanda. They are new to me this year, so lots to learn. I'm thinking come winter they will be the first indoor plants I've had since moving to FL - they will need to hang in our bathroom window for the cold weather and
I'll be able to use the hand-held shower head to spray them!
