Hello Ray, thank you for the reply!
Well my thinking with the medium in the bowl was twofold:
First to help keep the plant cooler since we still occasionally get 30degreesC temps during daytime, although we should be golden until May starting 1 or two weeks from now.
And secondly to make sure I add water to the same level and not go above it.
Anyway, I'll give your advice a try and see how the orchid will develop.