Miltonia Orchid

Interesting Facts About The Miltonia Orchid

 

The miltonia orchid grows in tropical zones.  It is a native from the South Africa, where its natural living condition is clinging to high tree limbs, living on merely decayed vegetation, rain and air. Orchids of this type are called epiphyte.  They live on some other plant or structure such as the side of a building, but are not parasites. Decayed material they consume is accumulated around them, not coming from the plant they are living on.  The miltonia habituated to the US and Europe has been trained to live in dirt, so this beautiful orchid can be enjoyed among human populations. 

Their name comes from Lord Fitzwilliam Milton, an orchid grower in England.  They were first established around 1840.

Showy, in deep vivid colors, there are over 100 hybrid varieties. They may be gradations of red and magenta, pink or purple, white (the South American white), and even yellow.  They look very similar to a pansy, thus the common name pansy orchid.

A miltonia orchid is not the easiest plant to grow.  You must have the right temperatures, night and day, and the proper light.  Follow these guidelines.

  1. Daytime temperatures:  70 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit
  2. Nighttime temperatures: 62 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.  For bud development, night temperatures should drop to between 45 and 50 degrees, no lower than 45 degrees.
  3. Light requirements: An orchid will not bloom without enough light. They will simply grow more leaves that will keep getting larger. Conversely, too much light and they will turn yellow and dry. Miltonias should be happy in very bright light, but it must be indirect.  This should be provided for two to three hours, in the morning sun.

Problems for the miltonia orchid

  1. Snails and slugs:  Use an application of snail and slug graduals.
  2. Aphids, scales, and mites:  Wipe leaves with a wet soapy cloth, or use pyrethrum in time-release capsules.
  3. Fungus and bacteria:  Keep protected from cold air drafts. Allow plenty of space around the plant for air circulation.  Water in the morning, so your miltonia can dry out all day long.  If leaves get wet, dry with a cloth.  Protected in this fashion they should not get fungus, but if so, you can use a systemic fungicide.

Additional growing tips

  1. Osmunda fiber – An older medium, not used as it was in the past. Material comes from roots of osmunda fern. Osmunda is hard to obtain and expensive. Advantageous for its ability to lessen chance of fungal problems and its ability to hold the needed amount of water, but not too much. 
  2. Less costly materials are used by most gardeners -- Mixtures of fine ground bark, ground coconut husks, prelite, peat moss, or a premixed commercial product for orchids. 
  3. When first planted, roots require a dense material in which to become established. To obtain this, pack material firmly around the blub.
  4. Water approximately 4 times a week.  Must be evenly moist.  Reduce watering in winter
  5. If unable to get proper light, there are lights made for orchids, available at nurseries
  6. May not flower for the first several years.  This is not problematic.  Be patient and once they do bloom, they will do so every year.

 

 

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