Question
I was wondering what am I supposed to do when a spike loses all the flowers. Some say to cut the entire spike and some say to cut it 1/2 inch above the last node.
What is the best thing to do?

Answer
Jack, Im assuming that you have a phalaenopsis orchid.  Phalaenopsis flower spikes are of two types.  One type slowly turns brown and dies back, while the other type stays green and could rebloom.  Let's assume for the moment that you have the type that stays green.  If you cut the flower spike above a node (any node) there is a possibility that a branch could develop from the node below your cut and that branch could produce additional flowers. That is a double edged sword.  On the one hand, you might enjoy more flowers sooner but it's at a cost.  Flowering takes a lot of plant energy that it might use to grow stronger.  A strong, healthy plant will naturally produce a new flower spike during each new growing season.  By cutting the entire spike off, you are preventing the plant from using its energy to produce more flowers.  Of course, the whole issue is mute if you have the type of phalaenopsis whose old flower spikes just naturally die back.  Many commercial growers I know that retrieve unsold plants from retailers, cut the flower spikes off just above a node and, as a result, generate reflowering much more quickly for future sales, rather than waiting for the next flowering cycle. They are not particularly interested in the long term health of the plant.  The choice is yours.  Neither choice will damage the plant in the short run