Definitely looks like Epidendrum, often called Crucifix Orchid. It prefers a cooler climate, but not as cool as zone 5. Where they are grown as garden plants they're often in full sun and flower prolifically. Indoors they may be reluctant to flower due to low light. But should grow easily if you keep it warm during your winter period. Since they grow in the ground a potting mix with good drainage should be okay for them.

so far what I've read, Orchid Society and gardening know how say orchid mix, bark, should i pot it up in that? Where's a good source for Orchid mix, all I've seen is at our big box stores, small bag about 4-5 dollars! Not a problem, but i have a few other orchids, tropical plants, i'm going to need quite a bit!

No problem with an orchid mix, they'd be okay with that. They do get a bit long and produce a lot of aerial roots. Tend to become a bit of an untidy clump. Don't know about buying orchid mix in your area, you'll just need to shop around. It should work out cheaper buying a larger bag than a number of smaller ones.

I have mine in the ground, just regular garden dirt. But I do have an ideal climate, so plants forgive me my other errors.

What are the aerial roots for?

to dial in the right potting mix a little more info is needed. Do you have time for frequent watering? Or minimizing your need. Plastic pots with fir bark plus sphagnum will stay wet the longest but will eventually go bad and will harm or kill your orchids if you wait to repot too long. Clay pots aspire along with lava rocks is what I use. Needs a lot of water. And variations to match your watering. I grow them in pots and in the ground. Both flower but the plants in pots grow bigger. They are easy to grow. They need sun, water, fertilizer and above 50 degrees. Morning sun always works...You need to wet the aerials for feed and water every day...

Steiconi, I can not imagine what it is like to grow where you live. The climate and soil is special with lots of excellent water...

This thread got me thinking, and I went and really looked at my epis. They weren't growing in the ground, they were just hanging out near the ground, living off their air roots. I pulled them all up and hung them on trees, where I'll be able to see them better and they won't get weed whacked.

Speaking of which, if you're imaging Hawaii, think lots and lots and lots of lush, fast-growing weeds. Also all kine bugs! (scratch, scratch)

Yes, and I thought we were buggy in Michigan! We have great things that grow here too! I'm just learning, and have acquired, orchids and I'm hooked!

My next search is for some terrestrial orchids, something a little less leggy, but also that does well in pots!

Orchids are one of the largest groups of plants, you have so much you can choose from. Joining a local orchid society is probably the best way to go. You'll get great advice and avoid lots of pitfalls. Going it alone by trial and error can end up frustrating, time consuming and expensive.

I'm going to do that! So far, the Phals I have are doing great!