Question
I was given an orchid (the blooms are big white with purple center) about 2 1/2 years ago.  It bloomed about twice a year.  Each time the bloom died, I would cut the stalk a few inches.  Each time the stalk would grow again from where I had cut.  This time the stalk turned brown and is dried out completely.  The leaves are still green but I think I killed the bloom stalk.  What can I do?

Answer
Hello Michele,

That's great that you got your orchid to produce blooms 3 times on the same stalk but I think it is telling you it wants to rest a while.  My suggestion is to cut the stalk off as low as you can without damaging the orchid.  

Did you notice that each time it bloomed that the bloom size was a little smaller than the last blooming?  That is because it takes quite a bit of energy to produce those blooms and each time there was less energy available within the orchid plant.  The example I like to use is how a woman would feel giving birth, immediately getting pregnant again, giving birth and getting pregnant again.  Can you imagine what condition the mother would be by the third birth?  

In the mean time, care for it and have it build up its energy level.  Hopefully it will produce a new stalk in late winter or early spring.  

By the way, are the leaves still like they were went you got it?  Or are they somewhat limp?  If they are sort of limp, that would be another sign that it needs a rest and build up its energy level.  Just be aware that those limp leaves may not fill out again and return to their former rigid self.  

Hope this has helped.  Good luck and good growing.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.