Orchid Miltonia is a genus of plants that includes about 20 types and natural hybrids. It is an epiphytic orchid native to South America from the highlands of Costa Rica to Columbia and southern Brazil. Due to climatic and cultural differences, this genus is divided into two genera or subgroups with markedly different growth and flowering habits, one called Miltonia and the other called Miltoniopsis.
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Miltonia orchid care
Both the growth habits and the type of flowers vary among species of the genus Miltonia. It is important to become familiar with the orchid’s native habitat for proper maintenance. Miltonia blooms are more stellar with intricate patterns, while Miltoniopsis blooms in rich shades of red, green, white, yellow and brown with orchid lips resembling the traditional pansy “flower” system with alternating colors. All orchids of this genus require cool nights to bloom and do so at different times of the year depending on the species.
These orchids have a long pseudobulb (a thickened area of the stem) with long, graceful, light green leaves that can produce a canopy of foliage equal or larger in diameter. Inspecting the stem can also help you identify your orchid genera. Miltonias produces two leaves from each pseudobulb while Miltoniopsis produces only one. These dense stems grow in clusters close together on Miltoniopsis and further apart on the Miltonia orchid (Brazil).
Light
Light is one of the main differences in the cultures of these two genera. Both groups grow best in partial shade with just an hour or two of filtered sunlight per day. Miltonia orchids are more tolerant of short periods of intense sun, but the leaves of both types can burn if exposed to too much. A good location in or within 2 feet of a north-facing window is a good location. A nighttime location with no artificial light will also encourage these orchids to bloom.
Epiphytes do not grow in soil, but can thrive as a potted plant or mounted on a tree. The growing medium must be suitable for the type of orchid. Orchid growing medium is usually made up of a layer of hard material such as cobblestone, medium weight material such as bark or wood chips as a filler, and a layer of soft material such as moss or fiber on top. For the Miltonia orchid, a mixture of small fir bark, sphagnum moss and pebbles will work well.
water
The water needs of the two genera also vary, although watering for both species can be reduced during the grayest part of winter. Too much water without little sun can lead to root rot. Allow the Miltonia (Brazil) growing medium to dry before watering thoroughly. Be sure to drain off excess. Miltoniopsis prefers moist but not humid environments. It is best to water your orchids in the morning so they have a chance to dry out before nightfall.
Temperature and humidity
Both Miltonia genera require cool nighttime temperatures of 55 to 60 degrees to bloom. Miltonia (Brazil) thrives during daytime temperatures below 80 degrees but will tolerate up to 90 degrees for short periods of time. Miltoniopsis needs about 70 degrees cooler daytime temperatures.
Moderately high humidity of 50 to 70 percent works best with 60 percent humidity being ideal.
Fertilizer
Feed the Miltonia orchid once a month during peak growth and flowering, and skip fertilizing during the winter months. Many orchid food products are marketed (Milonias is not picky about fertilizers). Miltoniopsis is salt sensitive, so the potting medium should only be flushed with water after a few feedings. If your tap water has a high mineral content, you may want to filter the water or use distilled water. Use room temperature water whenever possible.
