Question
Rec'd this orchid from Hawaii, was beautiful, kept blooming for about 3 months, bloom would fall off another would grow. Now there is no new growth and they look "blah". What can I do?
Thank you

Answer
Evelyn, this is a dendrobium  orchid.  Dendrobiums require a rest from watering and feeding after they finish blooming.  If this is not done, they will continue to grow and use energy intended for the next growth cycle after the rest. Suspend all watering.  This should cause the plant to go into a rest period.  They are not pretty when at rest and may lose some or all of their leaves. If any of the canes feel spongy, rot has set into the cane and it should be removed. Healthy canes should be firm.  Rest periods can last 3-6 months and will end when you see new growth emerging.  You may mist the plant lightly once or twice a week during the rest period to reduce shrinkage of the canes.  When new grow finally starts, gradually increase the light level and you may start watering and feeding once per week. You can summer a dendrobium outside during the summer as it likes sun and sir movement.  Protect it from getting too wet from rain if you do this.

Dendrobiums generally can be classified into two types: the warm growers and the cool growers. Warm growers are referred to dendrobium phalaenopsis types and their flower spikes originate from the top of the cane.  The cool growers are called "nobile types" and have their flowers emerging from the sides of the cane.  The latter prefer cooler conditions.