Have I joined too late??

[Jessica]

I recently received a "moth" orchid for my anniversary and keep it at my desk in a western exposure window. It did really well for about a month and then BOOM, I come to work on Monday and the blooms are all limp and began falling off. By the end of the week they had all fallen off and now the stem looks like a dead stick. The leaves still look good but I don't know what to do now. Do I cut the stick off? Will it bloom again? How often do they bloom? Do I do anything special while it's not blooming? Does the stick come back right before it blooms or will it return soon? I know there are a million questions here but if I get at least a couple answered I'll be very pleased. I don't know anyone who knows anything about orchids, they just keep telling me it's dead. HELP!!

[Orchid_lady]

Hi Jessica, Yes your orchid will bloom again. If the spike is dry then you should probably cut down. Moth orchids bloom in winter. I recommend you to read Orchids for dummies. This book has been alot of help when I was new to the orchid world.

[atcrosby]

I agree with Orchid Lady, "Orchids for Dummies" is a great book and the author seems to focus more on the Moth Orchid varieties than the others. You can download an electronic copy from Amazon for on $11.95 so the book can be yours today.

Also, I have found this site to be invaluable. Spend a couple of hours in the Newbie section. The comments from Jerry, Ellen and others are insightful and comprehensive. I believe you will get your answers quickly with these two resources.

I am now an Orchid Addict going from one to seven orchids now. Only two in bloom but I have great hopes now I have this website.

Good luck.