Question
Hi. My name is Colby. I received an orchid from home depot about 1 1/2 months ago. I watered it 1 a week, but didn't take it out of the pot that it came in. I just lifted it up today and there was about an inch in the pot. The flowers have all fallen off. Can I save the plant? I just started reading about them and did not know how to take care of it unfortunately. Thanks.

Answer
Colby, you need to repot your plant.  Locate some orchid potting mix (Home Depot should have it. Purchase the kind that has fir bark in it.  Be sure to use a pot with lots of drainage holes in the bottom for repotting.  Soak the new potting mix while you are unpoting you plant.  Rinse off the roots and remove any roots that are mushy or stringy. Healthy roots are firm and turn green when wet.  Place the plant with its good roots into the pot and place it in an area that can drain because when you add the wet potting mix the water will drain out the bottom of the pot.  Tap the sides of the pot as you add fresh potting mix to distribute it amongst the roots.  Do not let the pot sit in water.  Let it drain overnight before placing it into your growing area.  Do not water it for at least a week and then water once per week.

If you have some healthy roots and leaves, chances are good that it will survive and grow new roots and leaves. If the old flower spike remains green, cut it off just above the second or third node (ie joint).