Lisa, I didn't realize you were using 2" clay pots. I think you are watering correctly. Since clay dries out so rapidly when compared to plastic, on warm sunny days it would not be unreasonable in the least bit to water 2" pots *every* day. Maybe even more often during a heat wave.

Cinderella: charcoal is kind of the "voodoo" in orchid growing. Many mixes contain it, and it is supposed to "sweeten" the mix by absorbing various toxins. It is used occasionally in medicine, in certain types of medication overdose, and does absorb odors. I don't know if it's ever been *proven* to help in orchid growing. But of course I like to stick 10-20% of charcoal in all my mixes anyway.