masdevallia schroederiana S/H

[Ray]

I have stayed out of this conversation because I don't grow such cool growing critters, but I have to object to your conclusion.

If the plants did fine in s/h culture (remember, it is NOT just the medium) in winter, but not the summer, it sounds more like a temperature issue than anything attributable to the medium and watering technique. From orchidspecies.com, Masdevallia schroederiana is "A cold loving species that can be given constant moisture, moderate shade, and good air circulation". Semi-hydroponics only contributes to one of the four aspects stated.