Question
a leaf was snapped and has died on my orchid..what should i do and how? Do i leave it in there..take it out? Its my first orchid..i need good care giving instructions..

Answer
Mary, you will do no damage if you cut off the leaf where it is broken. Use a cutting instrument that has not been used on any other plants.  The plant will slowly heal the cut.

I'm assuming that you have a phalaenopsis orchid (also called a moth orchid) as that is the most common type available ay garden centers.  You did not mention how long you have had the plant.  This type of orchid does best if it is repotted annually in fresh orchid potting mix.  You can purchase the orchid potting mix at garden centers selling orcchids, such as Lowes or Home Depot. There are several types of orchid potting mixes.  I recommend a fir bark based potting mix with pieces averaging 1/2 inch across (do not use regular house plant potting mix).  Soak a portion of the potting mix while you are unpotting your plant.  Pull you plant out of its pot and rinse off the roots.  If you find any roots that are mushy, remove them as they are dead. The plant should be repotted using the new, wet orchid potting mix in a pot with lots of drainage holes.  You may repot it in it's original pot if that pot has a lot of drainage holes and the roots will fit.  If the roots are in good condition, you may have to give them more room by purchasing another plastic pot slightly larger than the original pot.  As you add fresh orchid potting mix, do so where it can drain.  The procedure is to first insert the roots into the pot by slowly rotating the pot as you lower the roots.  This will help minimize root damage.  Once the  roots are in the pot, slowly add the wet potting mix, tapping the side of the pot to help settle the next mix about the roots.  Fill the pot to just below the place where the leaves originate on the plant.  Allow the pot to drain overnight before placing into your growing area.  Phalaenopsis orchids prefer a place where they can get some morning sunlight.  Temperature should be 60-80 degrees F. Water once per week.  When new leaf growth starts, you may add a weak plant foos to your water (1/4 tsp per gallon.  Water should be close to room temperature.

As you move forward with repotting and growing, you may other questions so feel free to ask.   WAK