[journorchid]

Thanks a million to both of you, especially Jerry, for your continuing advice. You're right about the money vs. emotion issue, but while I'm still figuring this out, I think there's nothing wrong with buying low. I'm a starvingly poor cub reporter, and will order a few more healthy and carefully-selected plants when I have the cash to do so. Also, Phal. (3), the one with no real problems -- I did pay some money for that: 60% off at a very reputable nursury, but still not cheap like the others.

So here are my decisions:

1. Took your advice to sacrifice the bud. The plant means a lot to me and is fundamentally healthy, so I will use it as my first test in patience.

2. I guess I'll just have to hope for root growth and see what happens. You are definitely right about it -- lots of buds, but bud development is way slower than it should be.

3. Buds are bursting. Once the current spray is fully on the brink, I will bring it into lower light/cool environment so all can enjoy the blooms while they last.

Then the onc.
If what you say is true, I guess it's just too bad -- but given the healthy-looking roots, I'm not giving up hope. I Think there's either something fungal or something about light/humidity causing the brown spots near tips of leaves. I'll admit, though, that the leaves have gotten worse since I first wrote, and that I repotted in a bark mix that is likely way too coarse -- I think the roots may not be getting the water they need anymore, esp. since I brought the thing out of my humidified consdervator (worried leaves were sunburned) and into my less-humid living room. It is on a pebble tray with water, fwiw, but... well, take a look at the photos below and tell me what to do (other than "enjoy it while you can.")

Again, thanks a lot for helping out a newbie as I ease my way into this new world...

Photos:
excuse the mess -- i'm getting ready for a goodwill run. also note that this is not the plant's typical location -- just moved it here to enjoy it while it lasts, etc.
1. This is a recent brown spot at the end of a leaf that was healthy when I bought the plant.
2. These were the existing brown spots when I bought it. Problem seems to have spread.
3. The whole plant. Seems worth saving if possible, no?
4. Bloom and a nearly-ready bud, in case y'all are curious what kind of plant we're dealing with here. If you can, please tell me what the heck this thing is, and whether I'm right about its being an intergeneric, and what kind of care this type demands in general (humidity, watering, light)
5. The shrivelled main bulb. Some books call this normal; others say it's a bad sign. Either way, this is the source of my spike, so I'm going to have to do my best with what I got.

Thanks again for your generosity of time and attention. I hope it will continue now that you have clearer visuals on what's going on with this lovely plant. I am trying to remain optimistic; please play along.

With gratitude,

Dan