Hi Buttercup! Congrats on your new phals; they are lovely. I am envious! I did not make it as I had planned and will have to wait until the Fall shows.
I love white phals; many of them are tall and elegant and that is in their genetics. They make beautiful centerpieces with the tall archs. Yours is a branching type phal and they come in all sizes. I have a mini phal with branches only about 10" tall at the most. Really adorable. Don't re-pot anything until it is finished blooming or you may lose your blooms and buds.
You will hear every argument from every side on which is the best medium to use, but it all comes down to what works best for you. Nobody is right or wrong. Lots of things factor in with what others use and how many plants one has, house or greenhouse, outdoors, indoors, the list goes on. Climate makes a huge difference and our lack of humidity is a big factor. (I live up in Orange County) Personally I am not a fan of bark and don't use it but for now it is good for you. Your non-blooming phals look happy enough with new leaves growing, so try it and see how it goes.
PS Isn't Santa Barbara Gorgeous??? I just love going up there; best place in the world for whale watching! (lots of Blue Whales!)