Thank you Cynthia. I actually intended to say perlite (because that's what I used in the paph. mix), but thank you for the information and warning about vermiculite. I had no idea, and will avoid it.
Thanks also for your advice to keep dendrobiums on the dry side when not actively growing or blooming. I'll make sure to remember that.
I'm great with cats and phals, but my latest challenge (and interest) is in paphiopedilums. I really love these plants, but although mine grows vigorously, it never blooms (in the 6-7 years I have had it). It's a mystery to me, and I wonder what I need to provide to encourage it to bloom, or what I'm doing wrong to prevent its blooming. The leaves, new growths and roots are all very numerous and healthy-looking, so I'm not sure what might be the problem.
