I only started with orchids a few years ago...was gifted two, and now have eight or nine. Mine seem to be very happy, I had one that bloomed for almost a year continuously. Here is how I care for them. I repotted them in plastic pots that have slots in the side, and in fir bark. The plastic pots are then sitting inside pretty decorative pots. They all are on the Northern window side of the house; lots of light but not direct. I mainly ignore them, they seem to like that. About every two-three weeks, I pull the plastic liner pot up and check the lower roots.(the ones in the pot; orchids also have air roots, the grayish ones on top. Just ignore those.) If the lower roots are bright green, back the pot goes. If they aren't, then I put the plastic pot in water up to 3/4 of the height of the pot. Let it sit for about an hour or so until the roots are bright green and plump. Pull it out, let it drain for another hour, then back into the decorative pot. I have half of them blooming now, so something in this routine must be correct...