Question
I got a Stanhopea Florida bulb in potted spaghnum moss not long ago, and the single leaf promptly browned and fell off. The bulb does not show any signs of sending out any leaves any time, yet the bulb is green. It is kinda shriveled also. I keep it watered with my other orchids, never letting it totally dry out. I am confused. Is it dormant, dead, or what? It's dead of Winter here in South FL. I cannot find anything online about this problem. Thanks to anybody who can answer!

Answer
Randy, Stanhopeas typically lose their leaves and go dormant.  In a few months you should see new growth coming from the base of the old pseudobulb.  It's not clear that your Stanhopea is mature enough to flower and may need to put on a couple of years of growth. When it is flowering size (ie. has 3-4 pseudobulbs) it should be grown in a basket as it sends its flower spike downward to emerge from the bottom of a basket.  I have found spagnum is a good growth medium for Stanhopeas-- especially in wire baskets where it should stay moist.