Miltonia

Light should be relatively shaded. Direct sunlight burns the thin leaves within a short period of time. However, the warmer-growing Miltonia prefers more light than their cooler-growing relatives, Miltoniopsis. Miltonia needs approximately 21,500 lumens (2,000 foot-candles) to grow properly.

The warmer growing Miltonia will tolerate temperatures over 90F (32C) as long as humidity levels of 70% to 75%, or higher, are maintained. The minimum temperature is 60F (16C).

Water must be plentiful, and the medium must drain perfectly. In their native habitat the plants are drenched almost daily, and, because of this, they are intolerant of salt buildup. So, flushing every 4th or 5th watering is important when growing in pots. When they are not getting enough water or humidity, the leaves tend to grow with accordionlike pleats. Allow Miltonia to approach dryness between waterings.

Humidity must be at least 70% because of the plants' need for abundant water. Less humidity will stress the plants and can lead to susceptibility to disease, though too much humidity is worse than too little.

Miltonia at the same level as other orchids: half-strength, balanced fertilizer every two weeks. This can be reduced by half during overcast weather or in winter. A 10-30-20 blossom-booster formulation is beneficial in early spring when plants approach their flowering period.

Potting should be done after flowering when the new growth is starting. Miltonia tend to have a relatively elongated creeping habit and, therefore, do better mounted. Any potting mix suitable for fine roots such as 70 percent seedling bark with charcoal and perlite or a mix of 70 percent tree fern and 30 percent chopped sphagnum is adequate. Mounts may be cork, tree fern or other hard wood. They should be longer than wide. For some reason, shallow pans work better than deep pots.

Further information can be found on the Miltonia genus page.

Best orchid care practices are also provided for watering, repotting, and fertilizer types. There are also detailed discussions of growing orchids indoors, outdoors, or in greenhouses.

For more information on genus name changes, see Taxonomy.