Nice answer, Ken and I'd agree with most of what you said. Especially getting the soggy spaghnum moss out of those pots and giving the roots air! Some of the orchids from Lowe's and other big box stores come in pots with no holes or drainage at all! Cutting off all mushy or dead roots is also a good idea, and dusting with cinnamon seems to help mine not continue to rot and get sick. I've re-bloomed nearly all the little Lowe's orphans I've brought home.
Have to disagree with the ice cube watering, though. I think that is highly risky practice and I don't think anybody who is wanting to be successful at growing orchids should do this. It may prevent overwatering, but will it allow blooming? Even a plant that's growing in a cool room is 30deg. warmer than that ice cold water you're going to be dripping onto the plant. Can't be good for them, unless you're growing a really cold-tolerant orchid. My Phals bloom in response to temperature changes, and watering with ice cubes surely would make the plant think it's always winter, I'd imagine.
Would you water any of your orchids with ice cubes? I sure wouldn't!
