[jerrymeola]

I am sorry to see you with such a poor source of advice.

I am a commercial grower in South Florida and my conditions may be more extreme then yours.

I think being near a dam for the cool breezes and moisture should be excellent for orchids. We use swamp coolers (running water over a corrugated system with fans behind to blow the cool air over the orchids) to cool our plants and it is expensive. You have it free.

The Phal and Slipper should not give you any problems. Both like low light levels so keep them in full shade outside or they can be grown indoors. The Cymbidium likes bright light and cool temperatures. You may want to limit them to the property near the dam.

The Phal likes a 20 degree (12.5 degree C) day to night drop in temperature in order to flower. They are very forgiving and will often flower regardless of temps. Go ahead and cut the Phal stem whenever you want it will not matter to the plant. We even cut the flowers to conserve strength for next season when the plant's flowers are no longer sell-able. Phals bloom in the very early spring here February to April, probably 6 months difference for you in the southern hemisphere.

Paphs (slippers) bloom whenever they like. Neither likes to totally dry out but equally they do not like to be wet all the time. Re-water when they are almost dry.

All orchids like good air circulation and you may have enough naturally.

Food is necessary for Orchids like any other living thing, but they do not need much. Use anything you like for your regular plants and reduce the amount to only 1/4 the amount for tropical plants. You will get a good amount of natural fertilization in your conditions and not using anything may work.

The breeder really does not sound like much of a business man to discourage you when it is not necessary. I think 80% of the members of this forum would gladly exchange for your growing conditions.

I have been to Africa many times but not South Africa. If I make it there I will expect to see a fabulous orchid garden from you.

You did not say if you intended to move the orchids after the winter to another location. If you do and want more advice about that, just ask.