Question
I got 2 orchid plants from my friend, she has them in bark and it had 2 blooms on it. I'm not quite sure how long they were bloomed or what type of Orchid they are but the flowers fell off, and now the stem of the flower is turning brown. The other orchid that is in the same pot hasn't had a blom on it and is greener then ever. I was wondering is it dying or is that normal?

Answer
Hello Jessica,

You didn't mention what type of orchid your friend gave you, so it would be difficult for me to tell you what is normal or not.  

With that said, I will venture a guess that it might be a phalaenopsis orchid.  Are the leaves oval in shape, rather thick and fleshy with no bulb but the leaves growing from a center stem?  If that fits your orchid, the probability of it being a phal. is better than 80%.  

Once the flowers die and fall off and the stem starts to turn brown, it would be best to remove it by cutting it off as low as you can.  You will have to be patient as phals. normally produce blooms once a year.  In the meantime, take good care of it.  

Did your friend tell you what type of orchid it is and give you some instructions on how to care for it?  If not, let me know and I'll try to give you some guidance.  Also, let me know where you live so I can give some things for your area.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.