It is important to understand the growth 'Cycle'.

We begin in the spring when the plant is in flower. New growth at the base, baby plants on the old canes and fresh, green tipped roots will appear. This is the time to start watering, (soak) every day, it's best to water in the morning because the plants can get 'Fungus' if they remain wet at night.

These plants like to 'Feed' on a regular schedule, perhaps every Saturday. A good fertilizer is 'Peters' (20/20/20), applied at a rate of one tablespoon per gallon. 'Drench' the entire plant once, wait about 15 minutes and do it again. Give the orchid lots of light, full AM sun and mid day shade is best. Under a screen enclosure or near the end of a tree branch would be fine.

When the first cold spell arrives, the leaves will turn yellow & fall off. This is normal and necessary. Now you can reduce watering to once a week or so and discontinue the use of fertilizer. Remember, new baby plants will form on the old canes, So don't cut them off.

When temperatures are expected to fall below 38 degrees 'F' you should bring the plant inside. They are not good indoor plants, so when the temperature gets warmer the plant should go back outside. Good air circulation around the plant is important.

Wishing everyone Good Growing.