Question
Hello there, I am a new orchid owner, and I bought this Orchid about 8 mo's ago. After researching via internet, I heard that I was supposed to cut the stem after the first bloom, to start another blooming session, so, I cut it three nodes up. It has grown about half an inch and it is lightly brown in that area. The leaves are still growning strong, but I dont know if I cut it wrong. I thought maybe buying a rootone or an anti fungi would help, but I don't even know how to use it, espcially on an orchid. EEk!! Please help... I am a really new with a green thumb!!

-Sabrina

Answer
Sabrina, the information you have is correct but doesn't go far enough.  Phalaenopsis flower spikes are of two general types based upon their genetics.  The type you were addressing is the type that stays green after flowering.  This type can, indeed be cut back, as you have done, and this might induce a branch at the node and additional flowering from the old flower spike.  It sounds, however, that you have the second type in which the old flower spike naturally dies back.   In this second type, all new flowering will come in the form of new flower spikes from the base of the plant.  This type of flowering is an annual flowering.  I believe, based upon your description, that you have not done anything wrong.  You can just let the flower spike die all the way back and cut it off with no damage to the plant.

Incidentally, with flowering done for now, you should repot your plant in fresh orchid potting mix.  Be sure to use a plastic pot with lots of drainage/air holes.  This repotting will also allow you to check the plant's root system and remove any collapsed roots before repotting (healthy roots are firm and turn green when wet).

Please feel free to ask a followup question if my response requires more information.