Question
This is my first attempt at trying to keep an orchard after the blossoms have died.  All the blossoms are on one stem.  Do I cute the stem to the very bottom?  I live in Florida and have the plant on a screened porch.  Can I leave it there?  Do I still water and/or fertilize it?  Thanks for any help.  As you might guess, I'm a real "beginner" in the care and "keep" or orchids.

Answer
Thank you Sue for your question and description.  I recommend that you remove the old flower spike by cutting it off near the base of the plant.  Be sure to use a cutting instrument that you have not used on other plants.  I would resist watering it until you see new growth coming.  At that time, you may feed it with every watering once per week. Use a balanced fertilizer (eg 20-20-20 or 30-30-30).  I think a screened porch is a good place for it.  Keep an eye on it during the afternoon when the sunlight may be intense enough to cause leaf burning. Growing it with either an east or north exposure would be best.