Growing orchids hydroponically?
 

I have grown over 100 orchids very successfully with hydroponics, primarily cattleya species and hybrids.
I have grown phals as well but not as successfully.

Nope not a fad! I've been growing most of mine Cattleyas Alliance, a few Oncidium Alliance, and a few Vandaceous plants this way for the past 7 years. I don't like growing any other way accept for Vanda and Rhynchostylis species in vase culture.

I've read that a standard 'flood and drain' hydroponic method is all very well for orchids, but if you get a disease it can transfer to them ALL, through the water.

That's why what most people use here is a technique devised by Ray called Semi-Hydroponic. Take a look here at his info on the subject. Semi-hydroponics This is the way a lot of people here grow their orchids and I've got about 1/4 of mine growing well this way.

Also we have a sub-section of the forum for Semi-Hydroponic (S/H) here. Semi-Hydroponic Culture - Orchid Board - Most Complete Orchid Forum on the web !

How do you grow the Vandaceous plants in S/H??
Can you post a pic of one?
Tx <3

Neostylis, neofinetia falcata and several others are considered vandaceous and grow very well in semi hydroponics.