Phal questions. . .

[m13nlaw]

Hi, new to the forum and new to orchids. I have always thought they were beautiful but also always thought they would be hard to care for. Recently I learned that second part was wrong. I now have 2 Phal Orchids and would love some advise on the best care for them, as well as a couple of answers:

Both or my plants are small with I believe bark potting mix. I plan to repot them soon to check the roots and trim off any limp roots. I have the Orchid potting mix from Pettiti Garden Center and I also have Orchid food for them.

Both plants started with 2 flowers each. The first plant I had gotten has since, over some time, lost both flowers and is now bare. A couple of times I thought buds were starting at the end of the stalks, but nothing. Actually, the extended stalks from the main one got limp and withered. I cut them down and concluded I was probably over watering because I was judging by the top of the mix and not making sure the mid to bottom was dry. I now have what appears to be a bud on the end of the main stalk, but it is small and has not grown any. My second plant still has a flower, has lost one, and also appears to have a bud at the end of the main stalk, which also seems to not have grown much in awhile.

Both plants are in a open area in my house with lots of indirect light throughout the day. From all I have read, it actually should be a perfect place for them.

What do I do with the plan stalks once all flowers have bloomed? Do I cut the stalk down or do I leave it to grow more blooms? I can see where it once had blooms, and many of them over time obviously, but does it get to a point that no more buds will form and it should be cut down?

I think I have come to a point that I understand the lighting, watering, feeding, potting, but not the plant itself - growing habits, etc.

Thanks for any thoughts and advice you can offer.

Melissa