Hi, Joanna,

Dends are very different from Phals as far as their needs are concerned.
Like you, I have no *feel* for bark. I have never been able to master the
art of watering properly when using bark, so I just don't use it.

We grow our Dends outside, and some of them are in plain old pebbles, but
for indoor growing you might want to use Aliflor or another fired clay
medium, as it is no doubt more dry inside than it is for us here in FL. I
have not tried a Dend in S/H culture, but maybe Ray will weigh in on that
possiblity.

Bottom line: Dends need much less water than Phals, but a good deal more
light. Catt light is good. I find that our Dends are happy in near full sun.

Good luck with the new orchid!

Diana