caring for ORCHIDS

[summer111]

I bought myself a lovely orchid last August which flowered until March this year. I continued to water it periodically but despite it not flowering again on the original stems, it produced fresh leaves and two new stems, one of which is in full bloom and the other is budding.
My question for any experts on orchids are:

1. do I cut off the original stems that haven't flowered since March
   
2. should it be repotted given the additional leaf growth? If so, when and how?
   
   Many thanks for any helpful replies!

[justgivemeoneminute]

Yes you should cut off the original stems that haven't flowered since March. Just cut to within about couple of inches from the base. I don't tend to repot my orchids - they seem quite happy in their original pots - if you do decide to repot use the special orchid fibre you can buy in small bags - also use orchid feed and I was once told only to use rain water to water them?

[summer111]

thanks a million for your reply justgivemeoneminute! I'm off to remove those stems now. I've been watering it with tap water for the past year and it seems to be fine with that. I'll leave it in the pot too as you suggest.
Thanks again.

[justgivemeoneminute]

That's ok - you're welcome. I've always learnt that orchids need as little fuss and attention as possible...they don't like too much water and if anything like to be ignored..suits me!