please help a beginner!

[klk]

Hi!
I recently bought my first orchid--a Miltassia Charles M. Finch Izumi. It has 1 tall shoot with about 8 flowers on it. It was in bloom for about 3 weeks, now the flowers are beginning to dry up and fall off. I have been watering it about 1x/week and have proper drainage (no roots in water and a humidity pot). It is in a south facing window and I provide fluorescent lighting overhead.

How long are these flowers suppose to last? Is about a month right for this type of orchid or am I doing something wrong? Also, what do I do now that it has finished blooming--do I trim the shoot? I have read different things regarding trimming, so I am a bit confused.

How long will it be until my charles finch blooms again?
Any extra advice for an orchid novice would be appreciated. Thanks,
klk

[camille1585]

Three weeks sounds about right, maybe a little short for blooming time. It's not unusual for orchids that have been bought in bloom to bloom for a shorter period than it normally would. The stress due to the change in growing conditions can affect the flowers. Now that it is done blooming, you can cut the flower spikes off (stem that the flowers where on) close to the base. There is no point in leaving them on, since they will not do anything else. Normally now (or very soon) you should see some new growths appearing at the base of the bulbs. These will form new bulbs, and when they are mature, you'll get more blooms! Each bulb puts out one or 2 spikes, and that's it. If your plant grows fast, it's quite possible to have more flowers within 6 months.Don't take that as written in stone though! It depends on the plant and how your grow it!

I don't know where you are located, but if you have hot weather, 1 watering a week may not be enough. I have dry heat in my area in france, and I water every 3 to 4 days at the moment. A good trick it to plant a wooden bbq skewer in the pot. Pull it out and touch it to your cheek. If it feels quite damp and cool, wait another day to water. I've sure others on OB will chime in with some more or better advice!!

[Swamper]

1st, welcome to OB KLK. I wish I could help you with that orchid but I don't know much about it, I'm sure others will be able to help you.
2nd, Camille...I love that wooded skewer idea. I can't believe I've just been stickin my finger down in there. I've been spending too much time in the swamps. I need to get civilized.LOL

[Chubidubi]

to the board

[Ray]

Wanda, I absolutely disagree with your tagline.

You certainly CAN have just one!

One of this one, one of that one, one of yet another....