Question
Hi Jim,
I didn't see an answer to a part of the question that Hanna answered. Can you please tell me how to prune the stalks. I am defining "stalk" as the part that is attached to the leaves, not the part that is attached to the flower.
Thanks!

Answer
Hi Janet,

While stems can be removed once all the flowers are gone, it is best to leave the stalks alone.  While the stalks of most orchids produce blooms only once, they provide a reserve of water and food for any new stalks as they grow to produce next years flowers.  In the native habitat of many orchids, there are definite wet and dry seasons and the orchid uses the reserve water and food stored in the stalks to stay alive.  While it may be true that when grown under the artificial conditions we provide them, that they will probably not need to survive periods of drought, new growths will emerge from the base of the mature stalks.  

But, if you really want to remove the stalks, you can do so but cutting them off just above the potting media.  If you do, be very careful to not remove any hidden growth eyes near the stalk base.

Hope this answered your question.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.