| Miltonia & Miltoniopsis Culture |
| The name Miltonia was given to this genera in1837 in the honour of the Viscount Milton, who was a avid orchid collector & gardener. The genus Miltoniopsis, which means resembling Miltonia, & also known as the Pansy orchid, was separated from Miltonia in 1976. There are about 25 species of the Pansy orchid range in habitat from Central America, the Andes Peru, Western Brazil, Bolivia to Columbia. Light Miltonias like to be relatively shaded, as direct sun can burn their thin leaves, but the warmer growing ones will take a little more light than the cooler ones. The best range is between 1500 - 2000 foot candles. Temperature A temperature range of 10 – 30oC is considered to be the best for these plants. They will however tolerate higher or lower temperatures, but not for extended periods. If the temperatures get too high for long periods the cooler growing Miltonias may refuse to flower. Humidity As long as the Miltonias are keep well watered, humidity only needs to be kept around 50-60%, during periods of higher temperatures you need to ensure that the humidity level is raised as well. Water Miltonias like to be kept fairly moist & only slightly drying out between waterings. During warm dry weather, they may need to be watered 2-3 times a week, during cool weather 1-2 times a week. A sure sign of under watering would be the formation of accordion-pleated leaves. If this happens, make sure that you water more frequently. In their natural habitat they get a drenching almost daily, but their medium is very free draining. Fertiliser Since Miltonias are vigorous growers fertiliser can be applied almost every watering during the spring and summer months, but this should be reduced to once every couple of weeks from autumn & through winter. A Phostrogen type fertiliser at about half strength is ideal. Repotting It is important that the pot medium will drain freely. Miltonias don’t mind being pot-bound so allow room in the new pot for only one year's growth. Repot each year just after flowering & as the new growth is starting to move. |
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