Can I plant this in the ground? I can give it any type of sun exposure. I think my zone has shifted from 9b to either in or on the border of 10a. I can also plant it close to the house where it should be a little warmer.

Is this a really bad idea?

Looking through the orchid gallery I think I see some of these in hanging pots. That would be an option for me as well.

They are cool tolerant down to just above 0C. It is an epiphyte that would be found in nature growing on a rock or on a tree or at the base of a tree in the leaf litter.

They are garden plants here in Sydney in the sense that they will be growing in gardens in a pot. Needs some sunlight with protection from the hot afternoon sun.

The plant badly needs a repot but is in reasonable condition so it is savable.

There are zillion hybrids so it is impossible to say what the flowers will look like. There are some so called warmth tolerant types developed for a climate similar to Florida where the warm summer nights are a barrier to blooming for some.

You need some local advice, Zone10b Sydney is very different to Zone 10b Florida.

Sorry, your post re. hanging came in while I was typing. Look at the pics in this orchid cultivation Flickr album. pics relating to orchid cultivation

Unpotting it I found it's name tag buried in the roots. Mighty Cariga "Geyserland".

Thank you so much for your reply and the link. Both are very helpful.

I am fairly certain the previous owner that left them didn't bring them in just based on its size and the type of pot and the overall condition of it.

They are outdoors all year orchids here, even in the places in Sydney that are inland from the warm Pacific Ocean and therefore get some light frosts.

The condition says more about lack of care and the potting mix breaking down over time. The bit of the name 'Geyserland' indicates an orchid nursery in New Zealand.

Google Andy Eason + orchids and see what comes up.

Thank you, you have been so helpful!

I found ants and some scale buried in the leaves. I think it was way over-potted because it had a lot of soil compared to the roots and you are right it was very broken down. I put it in a smaller pot with better drainage. Hopefully I didn't damage it and I can post some happier pictures soon.

I'll google the breeder. :)