Brand-New to Orchids - and a tragedy (fallen pot.. broken stem)! Pictures included.

[blondie1483]

Hello Everyone,

My name is Christine and I am brand-new to orchid-owning and orchid-care in general - as well as brand-new to this forum.

However, I am not new to loving orchids. I've always (I know this is common) been too nervous to own one. My wonderful boyfriend gave me one for our anniversary last month - did not come with a tag, but I believe it is a purple Phal, but that is the best I can come up with.

Barely a month after I received it, a friend of ours accidentally knocked it over onto the floor. The stem of what appears to be the "main" branch snapped about 95% through, leaving only a tiny amount of skin attached. Both my BF and I watched in horror - he dove to catch it, and when the damage was seen I burst into tears.

All that aside - It's been duct-taped because I just did not know what to do. It's got beautiful flowers and buds.

What do I do? Do I trim it at the point of break? What do I do with the remaining piece? I am so sad!

I've researched the boards and can't really come up with an answer.

Sorry if terminology/redundancy/idiocracy is in this post. Please be forviging! And definitely any words of wisdom, please.

Pictures attached; duct tape at point of break is circled in red. Excuse the messy room (small apartment); notice the white orchid artwork.

Thanks,
Christine