Need some advice, Orchids are dying!

[Possum-Pie]

A quick update:
I emptied all of my pots into a mesh colander and shook the media over a pan. TONS of soil/powdered bark came out. I'm convinced it was the mushy powder that choked them. I took the whole bag and sifted it to only have large bark chunks left. I added some lava rocks to aerate the bottom and will try again. I am sick that I caused the death of almost all my orchids b/c I didn't check the media closely enough. I guess I thought most plants grow in soil, a little can't hurt the orchids. Boy was I wrong!

[Mountaineer370]

Possum-Pie, don't be so hard on yourself. We have all made mistakes along the way. You are someone who wants to learn, you have found a great forum, and you're not afraid to ask questions. You're also a person who has chosen a nurturing profession. All of that sounds like a recipe for success to me.

As those on this forum have often reminded me, orchids teach us patience. Learning to grow them is a journey.

[Possum-Pie]

Thanks... I had some great unique orchids that by basically ignoring except for water occasionally, bloomed and flourished. I'm looking for some inexpensive replacements now just in case. If I have success with them, I'll more on to more exotic ones.

[No-Pro-mwa]

This is exactly why I came to this board. I was losing so many I figured I better learn how to do it properly or get out. I lost some really nice ones that I have never been able to replace.

[Dollythehun]

Are you prone to over or underwater and what is your light?