Question
Someone gave me an orchid last summer. The blooms fell off and the canes began to cover with a dry brown sheeth over them. In August I began caring for the plant consistently, watering only once every 8-10 days. The plant is placed in a North facing window well that gets very little direct sunlight, yet it's bright. The canes have turned green again, and despite a rather dry environment, the plant seems to have made it through the winter. What action should or can I take to get this plant to flower again? It's become a real challenge to me and I'd love to see this through.

Answer
Troy, you likely have a dendrobium orchid which is one of the most common type with canes.  This type is a bit more challenging than the more common phalaenopsis orchid.  First, they have a rest period after flowering during which greatly reduced watering is necessary.  It sounds as if your reduced awatering and dry environment was enough to prevent the plant from starting premature growth.  Do not increase watering and don't feed until new growth starts. Then you can increase watering and begin feeding.  The other suggestion I have, particularly when new growth starts, is increase the amount of light. While you should get more light in the north window in the summer, I recommend that you gradually increse light intensity to near full sun during the first part of the day when you get into summer and can place it outside.

There are two types of dendrobiums as far as temperature requirements.  The nobile type have their flowers directly coming off from the cane.  These are the cool growers.  Flowers forming on a spike are phalaenopsis types of dendrobiums and are warm growers. Among the latter are the New Guinea types that grow on small canes and are often found in grocery stores.