Question
I know next to nothing about orchids, but I have a white Phalaenopsis purchased at a grocery store. About a year after I got it, it grew three flowering stalks with side branches on all and produced over 125 blossoms at one time. I was astonished, as I'd never seen pictures of such prolific blooming. It eventually lost them all and is now growing a new stalk. (I cut the old stalks off, which I'm not sure was the right thing to do.) I'm curious as to whether this is normal or whether I happened upon a special little plant. Thank you so much for your generous help to others.

Answer
Lynne, you have a special plant.  Not all phalaenopsis orchids are this floriferous.  You are to be congratulated for growing and flowering it so well.  The term for this type of phalaenopsis is "mutifloral" and is characterized by branching floral spikes and many small flowers. In general, phalaenopssis that bloom with large flowers have fewer flowers and those with smaller flowers, have many.  Were you to show your plant at an orchid show, you probably would receive a ribbon for its class.

The general advice for orchids is to repot them in fresh orchid potting mix every year or two when they are not in flower.  However, in your case, I think the rule "if it isn't broken, don't fix it" or "don't mess with success" applies.  If, however, in the future, you note that the plant is not doing well, you may want to consider repotting.  Over time, most orchid potting mixes break down and become more soil-like.  When this happens, the potting mix retains water for a longer period and air flow to the roots is restricted causing root rot and decline of the plant.

I appreciate your note of thanks.  Trying to help others is a way of passing on all of the help I have received over the years.  The neat thing about growing orchids is that it is a continuous learning experience.