For Lorrie

A few hints about keeping orchids happy.  



These orchids have been resting in an east facing window.  They were dormant for about 6 months.  All they needed was light and a little water now and then.

Or place in south and west exposure.  After 4 to five months orchid blossoms will drop.   Look out for thickening nobs along the stem.  Cut 2 to 3 inches above that.  It will throw a secondary spike and bloom for another 4 to 5 months.  

  

When I leave for a couple of weeks I place several orchids in a large, waterproof container, stuff with newspaper and pour water over everything.  
Orchids tolerate standing in 1 to 2 inches of water for a short period of time. 

Only 2 days ago I discovered this new spike on one of my Cymbidium orchids. 
I had no idea that it was forming.  I have ignored it for many, many months, watering it only when I walked past. 

I hope it is this pink color.  

I had this cymbidium for many years and then it had an unfortunate end.  A mouse came along and.....

https://ginaceramics.blogspot.com/2010/12/of-mice-and-men-and-my-cymbidium.html

A little moss on top is a very good idea.  

Once an orchid begins to bloom you can enjoy it in the rest of the house, even in a dark place.
You can even cut a stem and place it in water. 

Good Luck,
Gina