Leaf Color:
Contrary to the medium green of
most orchid foliage, Miltoniopsis
have light green to sometimes
yellow-green foliage. Leaf
problems and stress are shown by a
decided yellowing, a brown flush
and tip burn.
Light:
Requirements are 1000 fc in summer
to 1500 fc in the cooler (active
growth) months. Increased humidity
will help the plant cope with
additional light and unavoidably
elevated temperatures, as will the
use of fans.
Watering:
Miltoniopsis have fine roots which
are easily rotted off and
difficult to regrow. Often new
roots must wait for the maturing
of new growth. A fine but
well-drained medium in a small
plastic pot, and careful watering,
will aid in root retention.
Potting:
Annual repotting at time of active
growth (Autumn) is essential.
Plants prefer a minimum of 3 bulbs
per clump. When repotting, remove
dead leaf bracts and flower stems.
Fertilizer:
A standard cycle should be used
making sure the fertilizer is
dilute but constant. Do not
fertilize in the heat of summer.
Flowering:
The best flowering is in the
spring. Flowers last 3-4 weeks.
Fall flowers from summer growth
may show distinct color variations
from spring flowers, and size may
be smaller.
Pests and Diseases:
Miltoniopsis foliage and roots are
tender. Fungicide and insecticides
may burn, so prevention is better
than cure. Safer's soap products
and Home Orchard Spray by Ortho
are preferred. Plants should be
shaded at application and rinsed
in a few hours.
MILTONIAS AND MILTONIOPSIS
~Their Contrasting Cultures~
MILTONIAS come from Brazil,
tend to be autumn bloomers, and
require 'cattleya conditions'. The
major culture difference (from
cattleyas) is that they require a
much finer mix and a plastic pot,
as their roots are finer and do
dry quickly. Miltonias rambling
growth habit often requires
incorporating a tree fern pole
into the back of the pot for the
plant to climb on. The alternative
is a wide and shallow bulb pan to
accommodate 2-3 years growth.
Miltonia hybrids retain the fall
blooming habit but may be more
compact growers. 'Cattleya
conditions' mean nights of 55-62°
F, days below 90°F in greenhouse,
a standard fertilizing schedule,
light to 2500 fc ( as bright as
possible without yellowing leaves
and avoiding mid-day sun) and
50-70% humidity.
MILTONIOPSIS come from
Columbia and are moderate
temperature growers from the
foothills. Their night temperature
is the same 55-60° F, but their
days must be kept below 85° F if
possible. Here in southeastern
Pennsylvania that means shade,
gravel pans and constant fans.
Even so, Miltoniopsis usually halt
growth in midsummer and just
endure it. When this occurs,
reduce pot size.
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