Question
Hello Jim, I received a White Phalaenopsis last night at a retirement party for a Major General from the U.S. Army.  The plant was beautiful and healthy, and I knew nothing of Orchids.  I got home very early in the morning, and left this beautiful plant in my car on the passenger side floor.  It had 6 leaves (all green but turning brown from the base) and 6 beautiful strong blooms with 3 buds at the end of the spike.  I came out to the car late in the day where it had been sitting in direct sunlight the entire time and found the poor thing with all 6 blooms drooping and nearly lifeless.  I gave it some water, and it is now in my room, completely out of any direct light, and in a nice breeze from my room fan.  

Should I  take off all the blooms to encourage the plant to grow, or should I keep misting it and let the plant bring them back (if that is at all possible).

Again, I have just briefly spent some time tonight getting to know about Orchids, but am a fast learner...Please advise.

Answer
Hi Ben,

That phalaenopsis orchid has been through the wars!  (sorry, couldn't resist the pun after you went to the Major General's retirement party)  

I would suggest continuing doing what you have been doing for now and wait to see what happens.  If the flowers perk up, all is well.  But if they do not after a few days, go ahead and cut the spike off and care for it until next years blooming.  How do the 3 buds look?  Okay?  

That's great that you are checking the web for growing information, as you have seen, there is a LOT of information out there.  Just be careful, while most of it is very good there are some persons who know a little bit but think they know a lot.  As you will discover, orchids are a fairly complex plant family and what works for one can be a death sentence for another.  The two most critical things to remember with any orchid is when and how to water and air movement.  Did the orchid originate in wet rainforests, in semi-desert or in-between, knowing which will let you know how to water and how often.  

Well, I've bored you long enough.  Hope this has helped a little.  If you have other questions or clarification about the above, write back and I'll try to help with them.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.