Question
This is my first cypripedium, so it may be a very elementary question.  I have had this orchid for around 2.5 months, and have had 6 blossoms during that time.  Over the last day or so, the spike and the buds on it have turned a reddish brown.  Is there something wrong with the orchid, or is it time to cut off the spike?  Thank you in advance for your help.

Answer
Hello Meredith,

Yes, it does sound as though it may be time to cut off the spike.  It should produce a new spike next year, until then keep it moist but not constantly wet.  Feed it lightly with a balance orchid fertilizer.  It likes the same temperatures you enjoy except during late fall to early winter, try to expose it to temperatures near 50F for a month or so to help encourage it to begin the bloom cycle.  It likes bright shade during much of the day with maybe several hours of direct morning sunlight.  

Hope this helped.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.