I grow mostly all the Encyclia. It depends on the species. They grow well potted as long as the mix drains freely and doesn't retain an enormous amount of water. My potted ones are growing in chopped cork mixed with hydroton. Some people grow Schombos in pots, but I never have. I find they do best mounted or in baskets. I currently have a large brysiana and I basically give it the most sun it can handle.
I think you'll really enjoy the Encyclias. Hard to pick favorites but you should definitely have tampensis, cordigera, and alata. Lots of different color forms, and most are fragrant.
FYI, Shomb is no longer a recognized genus. Shombs with hollow p-bulbs and an association with ants have been moved to Mcp. Those with solid p-bulbs and no ants were moved to Laelia.