Hi! Congratulations on getting your first orchid. Your question has been asked before and is not a stupid one. Check out the FAQ link in the forum it will answer most orchid care questions for you. Read through all of the questions as they will guide you. Also Ortho makes a great book on orchid care 'All About Orchids' I recommend you buy it since growing orchids is a bit different that growing ivy topiaries. Good Luck! :)

You can get to the FAQs by clicking on the link at the top of the forum page.

FAQ

Cut the flower stem off to within an inch of the plant. What type of medium is the plant in? Does it look like bark, or does it look like sphagnum moss? How often to water the plant will depend on what type of medium it's growing in.

Thanks everyone. I posted this and forgot about it. The plant is in a clay pot in sphagnum moss. I have it beside the window on the eastern side of the house. There is an 80 year old Blue Atlas Cedar tree outside so it never receives direct sun. I have been watering it once a week very well...soaking it and letting it sit in water for a few minutes. Maybe I should water more often?

No, you are probably watering enough. Over watering is the number one killer of orchids. I might even suggest skipping the sitting in water step. Water well in all parts of the pot and let it drain.

Use the pencil test to determine when to water next. Using a #2 pencil or a bamboo skewer, stick it an inch or so into the medium and give it a twist. If it comes out wet, it is too soon.