Regarding stalks that have bloomed, are they now spent? I noticed they put out a new offset but don't grow any new leaves themselves. The leaves on the stalk that bloomed eventually fade to yellow. Should I be removing them to tidy up the plant once it's leaves yellow and the offset is a good size ... almost or as big as mom?

Step by step repotting guide. I'm not there yet, but thought someone may be able to use the information.

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/visual-guides/repotting-cattleya-and-other-sympodial-orchids.aspx

Talking the talk! The correct term for the stalks is pseudobulbs. Even leafless, provided they are green they are providing food for the plant.

Old dead pseudobulbs should be removed as part of a tidy up process.

If the orchid grows multiple leads, it can be divided. Count back 4 or five growths from the growing point to find the cutting point.

Hi Latin Lady. Nice plant. This is a natural species from Southern Mexico and Guatemala. Is that where you are from?

Arthurm2015 ... Newbie here. That went right over my head. I learn by application so I'll just cut off the leaves when they turn yellow (no longer photosynthesizing for the plant). When I see roots coming out of the pot, I'll uproot and remove the old growth with dead roots, as indicated in the link.

Shavedmonkey ... I'm a native New Yorker living in the Caribbean to care for my mom with dementia. I have a few orchids but prefer succulents and cultivate blooming cactus, plumerias, adeniums, among others.

Latin Lady, sorry about the Jargon, had a look at the notes and they are fine. You might have difficulty in getting some of the ingredients and generally the closer the equator the more arid the mix.

Though I have the same climate zone as shavedmonkey, bark based mixes are better here than in Florida. The 10b is based on minimum temperatures in winter.

He may be able to give you a better idea re. the mix.

My method requires frequent watering. Not good if you have a busy schedule. I use clay pots filled with lava rock. I get a day off for those pots that have exposure for rain. If the plant has roots coming out of the pot it is OK. Plant orchid on the medium, not in it. And this plant likes being mounted. Directly on a tree at your latitude on the side of the tree that gets morning sun and bright shade the rest of the day. Or mount on a piece of cork if you can find it. Good luck!

My climate is 12b/13a ... We're closer to the Virgin Islands and a stone's toss from St John. Scalding hot sun. Gritty and soil-less mixes don't work here. It rains daily and the succulents don't rot. I cultivate adeniums, plumerias, hoyas, all sorts of C&S in full sun, under the elements with a high draining mix, which includes lava rock ... pumice and/or perlite, activated charcoal, large particle river sand AND soil. Clay pots dry out too fast here ... I use them, but minimally and for cactus only.

Mounted? This orchid is IN the soil mix described above ... Always has been. It was given to me by an orchid grower in a similar mix and I've had no problems. I have others that crawl out of their orchid mixes. Mounted, really? I've mounted dendrobiums to yucca trees with success. Can't picture this one mounted though. I will definitely google it so I can see that. It is currently mounted on a gate, in a pot. I live in a condo garden apt. No trees, just a balcony and green gallery.