Different mediums work for different people. I use lava rock with even the orchids that like more moisture (I water more often) because, for me, it is what works. I did not do well with mediums that decompose. I can believe that the miracle gro must work for many people or why else would it be sold? My only suggestion is that you might want to consider is using an aircone pot (turned upside down in the middle) or styrofoam peanuts in the middle so the middle doesn't stay wet when the medium starts to decompose. My problems always would start a few months after the repot.
man I saw medium question and I thought we was all gonna talk to the dead
If I do put orchids in a pot I use 1/2 golf ball sized red lava rock, a little carbon(charcoal) and some coconut husks.
Teak baskets are the best...Clay pots with big slots ( scraped clean with a knife) take a close second.
Ahhhhhhhhhhh. Ya know. Opinions. Mother in laws.
I have 3 teak baskets and have a little moss tucked into the openings and the orchids seem pretty happy. When the pseudobulbs dry up is that a lack of watering or the natural die off of older parts of the plant?