You're not highjacking the thread--I'm enjoying the conversation! I also soak orchid bark or soil with orchid bark in it for any orchid overnight, as the salts in the bark are damaging, and the soaking gets rid of it. As for the Cattleyas, they spend a lot of time doing nothing. Then all of a sudden, they bloom! Mine always catch me by surprise. They do seem to grow slowly. Phals, I have found, will spend long periods of time "sulking" if you do the least little thing they don't like. At least mine did.
And yes, NEVER get the crown of a phal wet! If you do, roll a piece of tissue to a point and dab out the middle of the crown. I'd forgotten about that! I would never even attempt growing phals outside here either. Way too dry, way too hot in summer. I always have a fan going too, 24/7, in my plant rooms (two bedrooms). I also open windows whenever weather permits. The Catts get enough sun because I'm in S. California high desert area, and they're in a west window. I don't know how many orchids I've had, but in the end, I lose about 2/3 of them. I've stopped buying them, as they are way too expensive. Some I've had for years, but the more delicate types always die on me within months.
