couple of questions

[geraldw3210]

Hello everyone i have a couple of questions:

do you cut the flower stem off after the flowers drop??

im moving my plants indoors soon. its getting cooler especially at night here in PA.
how many hours of light should i give them throughout the fall/winter , im thinking 10 dropping too 8 then back up too 10 towards spring until i can put tthem back outside.

[PaphMadMan]

Assuming Phalaenopsis, you can cut back the stem completely after the flowers are gone or not, depending on your preference. Phals will sometimes get branch spikes after a while. Quicker re-bloom that way but not usually as big a show. If you want to go for that, cut just below the node that had the first flower. For most other commonly grown orchids once the flowers are gone that spike is done and you might as well cut it.

Duration of artificial light depends on intensity to some extent, but 12-14 hours is probably more typical. With typical indoor temperatures most commonly grown orchids will stay in active growth and need light to support that. As mostly tropical plants they never get the shorter winter day lengths. Unless you know your orchids require a winter rest, keep them lit.

[Tindomul]

If you don't mind it, you could always just leave the flower stem on until it turns brown. Some will say that the plant is better off after you remove it due to energy concerns, but its really up to you and how much you are concerned about the plant.
You didn't mention what kind of orchid it is.

[estación seca]

I leave on all green photosynthetic tissue until it turns brown.

[No-Pro-mwa]

Me too, I let them dry before I cut.

[charlesf6]

Originally Posted by estación seca

I leave on all green photosynthetic tissue until it turns brown.

Originally Posted by No-Pro-mwa

Me too, I let them dry before I cut.

Nice to learn these kind of things.
Very useful information.

[estación seca]

Neat freaks cut stuff off while the plant is still using it if it doesn't look perfect. It takes all kinds.