Good points all, Carol. Needless to say, I and probably you could write a book about growing orchids. The space for an article on ATP is simply only enough for a very abbreviated explanation of big-box store-bought orchids.
Carol, I own several hundred orchids - all kinds. I water the so-called crown, the leaves, the roots, and the media. That's full watering, spraying, and misting. I have never blown away water on the plants - never. Perhaps I am just lucky. But as you say, what works for me might not necessarily work for someone else. Personally I would not plant an orchid in sphagnum, long-fibered or not. I don't really care what kind of orchid pot is used. The vast majority tend to overwater orchids and for those, it is simply too difficult to tell whether the sphagnum in the lower 2/3 of the pot is wet or dry. Just my opinion.
At least now you know why I did not mention those things. LOL
