what to do when blooms die?

[nicochick]

Hi,

I have 2 Phalaenopsis orchids, they have now both finished blooming and the flowers have now dropped off. What do I do now? With one - a single stem plant I have cut back the stem so that it is about 10 inches from root to top (straight, did loop round when flowering) and the other is also a single stem but has an additional 3 branches coming off it. Is it best to cut the branches back and if so how much? Also do I continue watering them as I have been? On the advice of the garden centre I purchased them from they said to dunk them in some warm water for about 30 seconds then leave on the draining board to drain then put back in pot - I have been doing this weekly.

Any advice would be appreciated - I love these plants!

Thanks
Nicola.