Some people think that the soil in Texas is not suitable for orchid growing. Even if the soil is sorry, the orchid really doesn't mind since the orchids recommended to be grown in this area are epiphytic. This means that roots of these orchids grow in and take water from the air. In fact, standard potting mix will kill these orchids. Orchids will grow well in most porous, inert mix.
Many growers prefer fir bark to support the orchid roots in growing containers.
Commonly people cause plants to decline because of neglecting to periodically re-pot. Roots become crowded in pots which are too small and soon nutrient uptake by expanding roots diminishes resulting in plant decline. Orchids do not need re- potting as often as most pot plants. Re-potting is done when the main body of the plant has reached the edge of the pot in which it is growing and begins to grow over the side of the pot. Until that time, aerial roots can actually grow out of the pot.