On 5 Jul 2004 05:43:34 -0700, (Lisa)
wrote:

the blooms are small
and a pinkish purple and the stalks are long and thin with a few big
green leaves

Lisa, Orchy's sad mom!

Lisa -
Welcome to a addictive hobby. I can not grow houseplants, but
have a collection of thriving orchids. It is not impossible.

If your plant has been in bloom for 6-8 weeks that is a long time
and may mean you will have to wait until this time next year to
rebloom it. From your description (clip above) I will assume you
mean the stalks are inflorescence (or spikes). The big green
leaves are at or just above pot level. This would describe a
Phalaenopsis. The American Orchid Society has an information
sheet including a line drawing of the plant at:
http://www.orchidweb.org/orchids/cul...nner/phals.pdf


Most beginners have an idea of how to grow other plants so
sometimes it is easier to come at it from that angle. The Phal
likes soft light. It does want sun but like an African Violet it
will burn if placed in direct sun and prefers to have a sheer
curtain break the light up. It does not want to dry out, but it
also does not want to sit in water. If the pot is plastic, check
for a plastic pot to be inset in a clay one, it will hold more
moisture. So water it well allowing the water to flow thru the
pot and Drain. When your ready to water again, stick a pencil
or wooden Bar-Be-Q stick down in the pot to check for moisture
below the surface. If you even think it is wet - wait another
day. These plants can go 7 days if your humidity is high. If
possible group plants together so that the humidity is naturally
higher.
In most of the US, this plant will grow outside during the summer
if placed out of direct sunlight. Under a tree where there is
constantly moving shade or broken shade will provide a great deal
of light with out the sun on the plant. Remember the water
schedule will be different for plants grown outside.

Allow the inflorescence to die back on its own. Only clip the
dry stalk. This will allow the plant to rebloom if it wishes or
to use the spike again next year. Some Phals will reuse spikes
and some will grow new spikes. If you do not see signs of a new
leaf developing or maturing with in the next 6 months, cut the
spike off and enjoy the flowers that may be on it in a vase. The
plant is working too hard to flower and is not growing.
SuE
http://orchids.legolas.org/gallery/albums.php