."it is gentler and conducive to growing orchids= in fact you can have them outdoors under a shady tree..."
I live just east of Houston and believe me our climate is far from gentle and as for growing them outdoors, well, the winter before last was very cold and we have been known to see snow. Our summers are closer to 100 degrees and many orchids are not happy with these temps. I regularly lose, especially, thin leaved varieties.
Oh, and I do have a Vasco. Viboon Velvet
Beverly A.