Question
hello,
i got an orchid as a present and went out of town and the person who was taking care of it let it die...now what i have is the orchid stems-the inside is green but there is a white flaking covering over the stem. is my poor orchid dead, or is there still hope to have it bloom once again?
thanks

Answer
Christina, the first thing I need to know is the type of orchid you have.  I suspect that you have a dendrobium.  Dendrobiums grow canes (long upright growths).  Another type is the phalaenopsis orchid which has broad leaves coming from a single point.  Your description sounds like it is a dendrobium.  Dendrobiums have resting periods, may naturally lose most or all of their leaves during the resting period and their canes are covered by a thin paper-like sheathing which can flake off.  If it is a dendrobium, your plant is not dead but just resting.  During rest, dendrobiums need to have minimal watering or they will rot. If the canes are firm and green that is a good sign. I suggest you suspend watering in favor of misting until it sends out new growth-- at which time you can resume watering and feeding.