Question
i have a healthy orchid several years old, but has never bloomed since i first bought it.  it has always been just a stick with several fat leaves at the bottom.  how can i stimulate new blooms?

Answer
Allan, I will assume that you have a phalaenopsis orchid.  If so, the stick would be the old bloom spike. Often, the old bloom spikes on phalaenopsis orchids turn brown and dry up.  One reason that these orchids fail to bloom is insufficient light.  If the leaves are a dark green, that is an indication that the plant is not receiving sufficient light to bloom.  Best place to grow it is in an east window where it can get a few hours of natural sunlight. When the leaves are lighter color that is an indication of sufficient light to promote flowering, Also try to use a bloom booster fertilizer in association with this higher light environment.