Hi smithjm, Welcome to the world of orchids! What you have there is a Dendrobium orchid. These are sympodial orchids, which basically means that it grows laterally, putting out a new growth when the old one is mature. Each of those growths is called a pseudobulb and, in the case of Dendrobiums, a cane. Flowers generally emerge from the most recent cane, but the other canes are there as water and nutrient storage organs, so leave them together. Dendrobium is one of the largest families in the orchid world and has been separated into groups. Your Dendrobium belongs to the Phalaenopsis group, because its flowers look like Phalaenopsis (moth orchids). It needs bright light (some people in Florida put them outside), warmth and humidity to grow well and flower. From what I know about them, these orchids do not rebloom from old spikes, so you did the right thing to cut off the old one. Orchid flowers last a long time, but most orchids are not always in bloom. You will have to wait until the newest growth (looks like the growth on the right hand side of the picture is growing right now) has matured (gotten to the same size as the cane that has already flowered) to get more flowers. If you want to repot, now would probably be a good time. Be sure to use a pot that is just one small size up, since the larger a pot, the longer it takes to dry out, which can lead to root rot. To repot, remove the plant from its current pot, removing whatever is loose of the old media and cutting off dead roots (stringy, hollow -- good roots are firm to the touch). Clean it up in the sink. Keep all the growths together. Hold the oldest (smallest) growth at the edge of the pot and then fill in with orchid media. I'll let someone else give you a recommendation as to which media to use, since conditions in Florida are much different than they are up here in Canada. Clay is a good idea, as they are heavier than plastic, which is good as these plants do get top heavy when blooming. Clay does dry faster, though, so be sure to keep up on your watering. Have fun - as many of us here can attest, this is an addicting hobby, but oh so much fun. Julie

Hi Ginger,I just wanted to follow up and let you know I made the Tuscany Peasant Soup you suggested above. It was delicious. It was ever-so-slightly different from the one I had at that gathering BUT equally as yummy...and surprisingly easy!! A grade of: A+...and thanks again for the help! :) Cremin

Coniferous forests always make me think of ticks. Hiding. Lurking. Just waiting to give you some disease. See guys, I'm not friendly to ALL arachnids; that's gotta be something, right?

Don't know the first one. Not sure, but the 2nd one could be a Cleistocactus http://www.plantsrescue.com/cleistocactus-strausii/ The 3rd one is Notocactus magnificus. The 4th one is also a Notocactus, not sure of the species, but a name for you to start searching :-) If you post this is the regular Cactus/Succulent forum, you may get more info.