Thanks, Cynthia....especially since you understand about the desert climate.
I actually waited over a week after bringing the Phals home before watering and then watered them about a week ago. They came in clear plastic pots with slits on the sides and bottom.
Where do I get a bamboo skewer? Is it better to err on the side of not watering than watering? Until I get the skewer, is there any other way I can tell how they're doing water-wise? I'm afraid to mist them now because the leaves were perfect on those two orchids until I started misting.
The plant that came in the lava container is very hard to assess. It has moss at the top and the plant itself comes out an opening just large enough for the orchid roots, etc. That is the one that had a wrinkly (yet firmish) leaf when I bought it. I appreciate your help as I've fallen in love with these orchids!
