The genus Miltonia was first discovered and described by the English botanist John Lindley in 1837. It was based on Miltonia Spiktabeles. The genus was named after the famous orchid collector and patron of the arts Viscount Milton. There are some peculiarities between the natural Miltonia species from Colombia and Brazil.
Translated from Greek “opsis” means similar. That is, Miltoniopsis is a bred hybrid from natural species of Miltonium orchids. The species and varietal species of this genus are considered to be called Miltonii, and the numerous artificially bred species are Miltoniopsis.
It belongs to epiphytic orchids with a sympodial type of growth, that is, it grows horizontally.
Origin: Where Miltonia Orchid found in nature?
In the wild, they grow in Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Costa Rica, Chile, Peru. Under the crowns of trees in dense forests. In humid areas with frequent fog and rain.
How to buy Miltonia Orchid?
You can buy Miltoniopsis orchids now in almost any garden center, flower shop. Not as common as phalaenopsis, but there are still plenty to choose from. They bring quite interesting specimens in good condition. Most often from Holland, in a dark, opaque pot.
Choosing in the store, it is better to give preference not to discounted plants, but with a large number of pseudobulbs, an adult and strong flower. Also, notice the shade of the pseudobulbs near their base.
Should not be yellow or orange, which indicates rot inside.
In supermarkets, Miltonia Orchid often die from overflow and decay. In this case, it is very difficult to save. It is considered one of the most capricious species but is it really so, it is worth figuring out.
Structure Miltonia Orchid
Outwardly, it is very similar to Cambria, with the same pseudobulbs. In Orchid it stores moisture and nutrients. The roots are white with a small amount of velomen. A sufficient amount of moisture cannot be kept in the roots, therefore it accumulates in the bulbs.
The peduncle grows from the beginning of the pseudobulb growth, 40-50 cm high, under the covering first or second leaves. Pseudobulbs are miniature in size, do not take up much space in the pot.
The flowers are large 10 cm in diameter, with an elongated lip, reminiscent of a skirt. The leaves are narrow and long, thin, fragile, enveloping pseudobulb. At the same time, it grows both a bulb and a peduncle.
See also Best Orchid Pots For Phalaenopsis.
difference between Miltonia and Miltoniopsis
Differ in colors
In nature, flowers are smaller, petals and sepals are narrow, bent back. The aroma is pleasant, not very intense. The color is varied, but not as bright as that of hybrids.
Artificially bred representatives have large flowers with bright and varied colors and patterns. The petals do not bend back, only if it is very hot or dry. The aroma is more intense. Both have a lip larger than petals.
differ in shape and size of the pseudobulbs
In natural ones, they are larger, pear-shaped, saturated with a green hue. In hybrids – small, round, flattened. Light green color.
Differ in temperature
Natural species are more demanding in terms of temperature, humidity, lighting. Miltoniopsis are adapted for growing at home.
Differ in Variteis
There are few varietal species, a large number of hybrids have been bred.
Check out detailed guide on miltoniopsis orchids.
Miltonia Orchid Bloom
It blooms for about a month in favorable conditions. It emits a pleasant floral scent reminiscent of garden roses. From one bulb, two peduncles grow at the same time. It blooms twice a year. One peduncle grows about 5-7 large flowers, 10 cm in diameter. The cooler it is indoors, the longer the bloom lasts.
Does not bloom in a healthy state if:
- insufficient moisture;
- little or too much light;
- insufficient feeding;
- no temperature difference.
Miltonia Orchid Care
Caring for Miltonia and Miltoniopsis orchids consists of the following components, described below.
Temperature regime
The main condition in caring for the Miltoniopsis orchid is that it loves cool content. Reacts negatively to heat and direct sunlight.
During the day, no higher than 30 degrees.
12-15 degrees at night.
In winter, it is desirable to keep it at 12-15 degrees, both day and night.
Humidity
Required humidity 60% or more. This moisture has a beneficial effect on growth.
Why are Miltoniopsis leaves a pea? Due to a lack of air humidity around the plant or from insufficient watering with good, healthy roots.
Therefore, to increase the moisture content, you can put the pot in a tray with expanded clay, placed in water. In this case, the pot itself should not stand in water. Or put a humidifier next to it.
In greenhouses, they are grown by spraying water around, it turns out to be very humid, these orchids like water in the form of a fog. They are full of health. Getting into home conditions, it is much more difficult to achieve such humidity.
Lighting
When buying this type, it is imperative to provide shading from the sun’s rays. The light intensity is less than for phalaenopsis. Grows well on a shady windowsill. In bright light, the leaves become light, discolored. Flowers fade too.
Watering
Since natural species grow in humid forests, it is worth considering an important point – not to allow the soil to completely dry out between waterings. It should always be slightly damp. In winter, increase the intervals between waterings. If the orchid is new, then there is probably a peat glass inside, like the phalaenopsis.
It is very water-absorbing and works well during transportation, provides the roots with moisture for a long period. It is easy to pour or not to top up because of the thin roots. Therefore, you need to be very careful about watering. But at home, when watering at short intervals, excessive moisture under the base is dangerous to the plant.
Bulbs begin to rot and roots. Therefore, you need to carefully remove the upper part of the soil and use tweezers to get pieces of a peat glass. Try not to damage the roots. Doesn’t like root braking. Pour the bark into the place of the glass, into the formed cavity.
The method of spilling around the edge of the pot with clean water is suitable. It is not necessary to leave the pot in water for a long time, the roots are sensitive and prone to decay.
Spraying on top of the substrate accelerates the development of new roots.
Potting Mix
The soil is suitable for moisture-consuming, aerated. Consisting of the following components:
- bark of medium, fine fraction;
- sphagnum moss;
- perlite (small amount);
- zeolite;
- seramis;
- charcoal;
- coconut chips.
A layer of moss can be laid on top of the substrate to increase moisture. The composition of the soil should be selected according to your home conditions.
Fertilizer
There are several ways to fertilize Miltonia and Miltoniopsis. This is due to thin roots, which are easily damaged by a high concentration of dressings.
- Feed during the growing season with fertilizers for orchids in a weak concentration 2 times a month.
- Spill the roots with clean water, then add fertilizer to the water at the concentration indicated in the instructions and soak the pot for 10-15 minutes. Once a month.
- Use fertilizer sprays intended for foliar feeding. Spray foliage 1-2 times a month in the morning.
Do not feed during the flowering period.
Check out a guide on orchid leaves turning yellow and brown.
Translpalnting and Repotting
A new orchid should not be transplanted right away if it is healthy. First, it must adapt to home conditions for a long period.
When transplanting a pseudobulb, do not deepen into the ground. They should be on the surface. So that rot does not appear.
Since the soil is always slightly moist, it decomposes faster and will have to be replanted more often, once a year. If the substrate has not decomposed, then the transplant can be postponed.
Transplant instructions:
- Remove the plant from the old pot, remove the substrate, remove the missing roots.
- At the bottom of the pot, lay a drainage layer in the form of large bark, pebbles, expanded clay.
- Fill the pot with the prepared soil up to half.
- Place the flower in the container so that the old pseudobulb is at its edge. Since it grows from young pseudobulbs.
- Cover with soil to the base of pseudobulb.
- If it staggers in a pot, then fix it with a holder.
- Lay moss on top of the soil.
Instead of a pot, you can land on a block. The planting method should be chosen, taking into account the conditions in the room and how often you can water. Planting on a block requires very frequent watering.
Pot Size
Any gos are suitable, not very large. It is matched to the size of the root system and the number of bulbs.
For people who are just starting to get involved in growing Miltoniopsis, it is better to choose transparent plastic pots with drainage holes. In such a pot, you can see how dry the soil is, how the root system grows and develops.
Propagation
Propagated at home by dividing the bush. This method is considered one of the simplest. Doesn’t experience much stress, adapts quickly, and grows further. Increases 2-3 pseudobulb per year. Cut the rhizome into 2-3 pseudobulbs and place them in different pots.
If there is enough space in the pot for new growth, then you do not need to divide. The bloom will look very lush and spectacular.
Diseases
With frequent overflow, pseudobulb and roots rot. For treatment, fungicides are used. If the bulb is rotten, then it should be completely removed. Cut off with a sterile instrument.
Coat the cut site with fungicide or hydrogen peroxide. Also rotting, fungi, bacterial diseases come from rare ventilation of the room. Especially where there is high humidity, air circulation should be frequent. Stagnation of air is not desirable.
Pests
Susceptible to attacks by spider mites. Various spots appear on the leaves. Treat with acaricidal preparations repeatedly, with a break of 5-7 days. About 4 times a month. Sometimes it is worth doing preventive treatments, at least once every few months.
It is also damaged by mealybugs, but more often it is still mites. A dry and hot climate encourages mites to grow on plants.
Check out a guide on reasons on Why Do Orchids Die and saving.
Miltonia Orchid Varieties
Miltonia Orchid have so many varieties and some are:
- Arthur cobbledick springtime
- Herralexandre
- Lennart Karl Gottling “Hula Skirt”
- Lillian Nakamoto
- Maui Mist “Golden Gate”
Conclusion
At first glance, the Miltonia orchid and the Miltoniopsis hybrid seem difficult to care for. However, if you find a middle ground in watering, create the necessary humidity and temperature conditions, then there will be no problems with this orchid. It will delight for a long time with fragrant and lush flowering in gratitude for your care.
