Hello Kittykat :-)
This is how I grow mine:
during the winter they get light from a south window, I let them absorb all the sun they can get then. I had them on the window sill and didn't seem affected by the heather under the window sill.
As we had an extreme cold winter I got cold damage on a leaf that touched the window (despite double glass windows). Be prepared for that!
They like intermediate temperatures, let's say between 13,5 en 18 C
Now, April, I still have them close to the South window but not in de window sill anymore. In the window sill it would get to hot and the sun is shining too long and to strong. I have them in dappled sun light. The light exposure is regulated with blinds.
Probably end of May they move outdoors. In my case on a North faced balcony were they receive early morning and late evening sun. I protect them from heavy rain fall. Hanging them in a tree would be great!
As night temperatures during fall drop, bring them indoors again. You'll might notice a new spike by then.
After they flowered I make sure I let the medium dry up more than during flowering and active growth. You'll notice soon after you removed the flower spike that finished blooking, that it will start a new growth on the base of pseudobulb that matured last.
Proper watering: this is what I do
I use a skewer to monitor the moistness of the medium in the middle of the pot.
I let the medium become almost dry (skewer cool to the touch, but not wet anymore, especially during winter is this important for our climate). Once the new growth get's it's own roots, you might considder repotting. Because you don't know what the middle of your growing medium looks like, I would advise you repot this season.
During active growth you have to make sure the medium never dries out completely, otherwise you might get pleated leaves on the new growth. Not harmfull but also not a pretty sight.
Nicole
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