When shopping, remember that a bargain is not always a bargain. Orchids are not like your common houseplant and should never be considered to be in the same category. If you want to be sure of what you are purchasing, and to have years of satisfaction from your orchid, I would strongly suggest you purchase your orchids from reputable orchid growers. Not only do they know how to grow and ship orchids; they can also give you help in choosing the right orchid for your environment.
     If you happen to be one of those people that just have to buy the "orphans" that are laying around half dead, PLEASE understand what you are doing. The plant has undergone a lot -- overwatering, underwatering, too much heat, too much cold, and heavens knows what else.
     Saving these "orphans" can sometimes be done, but taking them to a dry home and expecting miracles is not reality. Most often it will require the intensive care environment of a well-controlled greenhouse to save the plant. It can take years for a plant to recover to the point of producing new flowers or even new growth.
   Never cut back the flower spikes on sick orchids to promote more blooms. The orchid needs all the energy it can make to even survive. Producing flowers is very taxing on any plant.
     No, you can not fatten up old shriveled pseudobulbs or take the wrinkles out of leaves. Many times the effort and energy spent are just not worth the results. It would be better to bypass these orphans and spend your money on a healthy plant. Especially if you are a beginner and this is your first orchid. Some times the plant will make it but often they don't.