Question
I purchased a supermarket orchid and it was blossomed and lovely, went out for one day and the heat has wilted all the blossoms!! Is there any way of reviving it? What should i do? Cut all the flowers and wait to re bloom? Many Thanks....

Answer
The answer will differ depending upon the type of orchid.  Supermarket orchids are usually either dendrobium orchids or phalaenopsis orchids.  Dendrobium orchids are cane like in appearance with leaves growing on the canes.  Phalaenopsis orchids do not grow from canes but have broad leaves all originating from the base of the plant.  Phalaenopsis orchids bloom from the base of the plant while dendrobium orchids bloom along the cane or from the top of the cane.  Dendrobium orchids are much more of a challenge to grow because after flowering, they require a rest period with little or no watering until a new growth starts.  If watered while they should be resting, the roots could rot and the plant can be lost.  Phalaenopsis do not have a rest period and are always growing.  They each bloom only once per year-- usually in the spring.  With either type of plant, you need not remove the flowers. they should fall of their own accord.  

Individual orchid flowers generally last 2-4 weeks so, depending on how long the plant was in flower before you got it, it may have been near the end of its bloom cycle. Dendrobium orchids should be repotted in an orchid potting mix when new growth starts and should be potted in the smallest clay pot it will fit in.  Phalaenopsis should be repotted following each flowering and placed in a pot that will comfortably fit the root mass.  Phalaenopsis roots are larger than dendrobium roots-- the latter being more hair-like in diameter.

Concentrate on growing the plants well at this time and they will rebloom next year.  Visit the AOS (American Orchid Society web site) for pictures of each type of orchid and culture advice.