my phalenopsis orchard has a spike with blooms on it and it seems that the blooms may be ready to bloom very soon. Is this normal? If not what should I do
Yes, this is absolutely normal! You are fortunate to have been able to provide the conditions necessary for flowering.
Here is an article for more information on their care: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/orchids/phalaenopsis-orchid-care.htm
I water it ever 10 days generally
This type of orchid requires at least 12 hours of pitch black darkness each day in order to initiate flowering. Small amounts of light will disturb this process. Also during this time, you will want to cut down watering drastically.
I usually feed my orchids once a week with a 1/4 strength orchid fertilizer. This will keep them at their healthiest. You will also want to try and keep the humidity up, as well as the temperature. If it starts getting down close to 50 degrees F or so, they will start to drop flowers, and develop leaf wrinkles.
A side note... Don't let them sit in water for more than half an hour. They will absorb plenty of water during this time, and any more will lead to rot. Also, leave the stems after the flowers fade color, give them a longer daylight period for a few months, and repeat the 12 hour dark period to get them to bloom twice from the same flowering stem. After this, you can cut them off to develop a new one.
This collection of articles will get you started to proper orchid care: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/orchids
My Phalaenopsis orchid has bloomed since last August 2017. When the flowers (always 3) drop off, there are always 3 new buds (in the same location as the flowers that are dropping off) getting ready to open up..usually within a week or so. It has done this three times! It is still blooming now and I see new buds forming again while the flowers are still on the plant. How unusual is this??
This can be quite normal under the perfect conditions. The flowering process is triggered by a photoperiod. This means that when the plants receive more than 12 hours of darkness per day then they will start to flower. This will be common over the winter, as this is the natural process of the sun. This will break soon, though, as we have already crossed the solstice. This means that the daylight hours are increasing, which will soon stop the flowering process. I would be fertilizing weekly with a 1/4 strength orchid fertilizer, by mixing it with water and spraying the entire plant. Roots included. This will give it what it needs for next years flowers.
This is the simplest answer that I can give, as this is, actually, very complex process. But that is the gist of it, anyway.
Can I fertilize my moth orchid while it is in bloom?
You can. It will not hurt it. I fertilize mine at 1/4 strength every week by spraying the leaves, aerial roots, and container roots. This is very healthy for it, and supports the natural way that these feed.
I enclose a photograph. This is the worst leaf and I'm worried about the plants' futures, although they don't look to be suffering as yet, but it is spreading.
This looks like damage from Thrips.
These articles will help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/orchids/managing-orchid-pests.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/controlling-thrips.htm
my Orchid? Should I place it in water ??? help
It may have had some improper watering and caused some rot on the plant.
As long as the roots look good and the actual flower is intact; it will likely survive.
I'm listing some care articles for you to optimize its chances.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/orchids/indoor-orchid-care.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/orchids/beginner-orchid-growing.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/orchids/phalaenopsis-orchids-post-bloom.htm
I fertilize, as you suggest? Should they ever be allowed to remain outdoors? Is pine bark ok for medium? I have not had luck with several other orchids I tried to grow...I want to keep this one alive!
I wouldn't use the ice cube method of watering; very cold water can damage roots. You can use pine bark, but fir bark and sphagnum moss seem to be preferred. You can grow orchids outdoors if you live in a frost free area. Here is more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/orchids/beginner-orchid-growing.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/orchids/orchid-water-requirements.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/orchids/orchid-care-after-blooms-drop.htm