Prosthechea vitellina is a highly distinctive popular small orchid species from Mexico which was for many years classified as belonging to the genus Encyclia. It has bright vermillion to tangerine orange flowers contrastingly beautifully with glaucous green leaves and pseudobulbs which are covered in a waxy film which can smudge on touching rather like the farina found on some succulents such as Echeverias. The purpose of this covering is to protect the plant surface from burning in strong sunshine. The orchid is frequently described as easy to grow and adaptable to cool/intermediate environments. Nevertheless, to my puzzlement, not to mention embarrassment, I have failed to cultivate it successfully after two attempts. Then last year, on my third effort, I purchased an overpriced pathetic rootless specimen from Kopf Orchideen which held little promise. However, to my surprise I managed to revive it into vigorous growth that went on to produce a dainty flower spray (see photo attached). I attribute my change of fortune to using New Zealand sphagnum moss instead of the standard orchid bark that was had been tried on my previous attempts at cultivation. From what I have read it seems that this orchid requires constant moisture around the roots during the growing season without drying out and so this was more achievable in the moss medium. I keep the plant in moderately bright light all year and provide summer days and nights at about 25 C and 10 C respectively and winter days around 17 C with cool nights of 8 to 10 C. Only time will tell if the plant will persevere but that is what I love about orchids there is always something new to learn. Please let me know if you have triumphed growing this species and can offer any advice!