Question
I have a black lady slipper hybrid orchid which has lost it's flower. What care do
you recommend to help it re-bloom? How often do they re-bloom? How long is
their rest session between blooming? Please help!

Answer
Hello Cristine,

Lady slippers produce flowers only once on a spike then the spike will slowly die-back and turn brown.  Remove the spent spike by cutting it off down low, close to the leaves.  If all goes well with it, it should start to grow a new spike next winter.  

It should be starting a new growth spurt about right now and end some time in the fall.  Mid to late fall is when it may take a slight rest but it really never does go dormant so do not stop watering it.  While actively growing, keep it moist but not constantly wet.  Wait until the potting media starts to dry out then water.  It would be helpful to feed it a little balance type orchid fertilizer once in a while to help it along.  

Hope this helped.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.