Question
Hi

Once I cut the dead stalk off, how do I care ofr the orchid so as to allow it to bloom again? I cant seem to find good instructions online
Thanks
Masha

Answer
Repotting should be at the top of your orchid to do list at this time.  Locate a bag of orchid potting mix at a local garden center.  If it is dry you will need to soak if for an hour before use.  Soak only as much as you plan to use at this time and keep the rest dry for future years as orchids need to be repotted annually following flowering.  At the time you obtain the orchid potting mix, purchase a plastic pot with lots af drainage holes in the bottom.  This should be about an inch larger in diameter.  When the new orchid potting mix is ready, remove the plant from its current pot and rinse the roots off to remove most of the old potting mix.  You probably will find one or more "mushy" orchid roots that are dead and should be removed prior to repotting.  Healthy roots are firm.  Be careful not to damage any roots with green growing tips.  Place the plants roots into the new pot and slowly add the wet new orchid potting mix, taping the pot as you add it to help it settle about the roots.  Let the plant sit and drain for a week in the fresh mix before watering again and then water once per week.  Once new leaf growth commences, you may feed it with your watering at about 1/4 tsp of plant food per gallon of water.  Phalaenopsis orchids prefer an east windowsill.  If you don't have one, provide the equivalent amount of light from some other source.  They like morning sunlight but avoid diesct sunlight at other times of the day.