Thanks for all the replies.
Maree - i use clear plastic containers, same ones the orcihds come in when purchased. I just slip the plastic container in a decorative pot. When i water them, just take the orchid out of the pot, water well and let them drain, place them back into the pot. Medium - all phals have sphagnum (they like to be wet a little longer than most orchids). all the dendros and catts have mixture of bark, charcoal, and stuffing peanuts (not a lot). These orchids like less moisture than phals. The key is to use clear plastic...lets you see the roots. Keep the roots happy, they in turn keep the leaves happy. When the leaves are happy...you get rewarded with great blooms.