Hi Margaret,

No, you're right, none of those require a cloche, especially since a couple of them are pretty big and would require quite a cloche!

Most of those (all, except the Iwanagara) are a part of the Oncidium family, the Colmanara and the Beallara having been bred with other related genera to make the flowers more colourful and bigger. They will all need at least medium light, warm to intermediate temperatures (cooler fall and winter nights are appreciated) and moderate humidity (40-50% -- IMO, this is only really crucial when the flowers are developing and opening; I don't think it matters all that much the rest of the time). Water year-round, letting the media just dry completely between waterings. Let it dry a little bit longer when your plant is not in active growth, and don't fertilize either. (Oncidiums are sympodial orchids, which means they produce successive growths, or pseudobulbs. A new pseudobulb will come from the base of the most recently matured growth, which is likely the largest one and the one where the spikes came from.)

As for your Cattleya, just think more: high light, warm temperatures and more drying time. They actually like a couple of dry days between waterings.

Now, as to determining light levels... this is a thorny issue that can stir up any number of debates at the drop of a pin. I'll start by asking you which part of the US you're in, whether you grow inside or outside, and what direction (East - morning sun, South - all day sun, West - afternoon sun, or North - bright light but no actual direct sun) your windows or yard faces.

I'm also enclosing below for your reading pleasure a link to culture sheets produced by the Canadian Orchid Congress, which I find very good.

Julie

Here is a link that might be useful: Canadian Orchid Congress Culture Sheets

Margaret,
I am new here and only a hobbyist who is re-starting a collection after a very protracted hiatus. Orchidists tell me to run while I can, lol!! Advice from "jam" is right-on although an excuse to have orchids in cloches is reasonable. Maybe a Lepanthes or three in a cloche? "Wildcats" are fun and beautiful...which type do you have? Mine is not fragrant.

Hmm, at the risk (or guarantee) of betraying my ignorance, I didn't know there were different kinds of 'Wildcat'. But I have a "Green Valley D".

By bllra has pleated leaves which I know means its thirsty, but what's the best way to give it more water? It drains pretty fast, and I'm concerned that any more water will make my pot start growing mold and stuff.