Miltonia

(They are  Epiphytes)

MILTONIA (mil-TOH-nee-ah) - The popularity of the Miltonia orchid is increasing rapidly, thanks in part to the development of rigorous hybrid methods that can produce plants in greater quantities. Because of the familiar shape and markings of these spectacular flowers, Miltonia are often called "'Pansy Orchids."' Their richly colored flowers blossom profusely. Although they may last for up to a month, their bloom time is as short as that of a cut flower. Miltonia can easily be cultured at home or in a greenhouse. They normally bloom in the spring or fall.

Light and Temperature

Bright filtered light with no direct sun. Leaves should be medium green in color with a slight pinkish tinge which indicates maximum light levels around 1000- 1500 foot-candles-bright filtered light with no direct sun. 75°- 80° F(24-27 Celsius) in daytime and 55°- 60°F (13-16 Celsius)nights are the preferred temperatures.

Good Light and. Bad Light
Light is a key factor in growing healthy orchids. Direct sunlight may cause plants to burn, and too little light will prevent plants from flowering. An ideal location is behind curtains or window blinds. If you receive your plant by mail, expose it to light gradually in stages over a period of several weeks.
Leaf color is a good indicator of the amount of light a plant is receiving. Orchids should have bright green, healthy leaves. Dark green leaves indicate that a plant is getting insufficient light, and yellowish-green or red leaves indicate that a plant is getting too much light. If you suspect a plant is exposed to too much light, feel the leaves. If they feel noticeably warmer than the surrounding air, move the plant to a location with less intense brightness.

Watering and Feeding

 Never allow Miltonias to remain dry for any length of time. Crinkled leaves are a sign of insufficient water. Feed Dyna-Gro™ Liquid Grow 7-9-5 at the rate of 1/4 tsp./gal. with each watering.

To promote flowering, feed Dyna-Gro™ Liquid Bloom 3-12-6 or Mag-Pro™ 2-15-4 at the same rates and frequencies beginning 4-5 weeks before flower spike initiation.

Humidity

Miltonia  enjoy moist air, requiring a minimum of 40-50% humidity in the immediate vicinity of the plant. Humidity should be increased with higher temperatures. The ideal humidity is between 55 and 75%, with as much ventilation or air movement as possible without any cold drafts. Humidity can be increased around the plant by placing the pot on an inverted saucer in a baking pan filled with pebbles, rock chips, etc., and water. Keep water level below top of pebbles so that the plant will not have "wet feet" from setting in water. Morning misting of foliage is also helpful, especially during periods of hot weather.

Repotting & Repot

 Miltonias should be repotted at least every two years in a fine grade of fir bark or Fine Dyna-Rok II. They prefer to be somewhat crowded in the pot, so do not over pot.

Light and Temperature

 Bright filtered light with no direct sun. Leaves should be medium green in color with a slight pinkish tinge which indicates maximum light levels around 1,000-1500 foot-candles. Maintain a cool environment with good air circulation, 70°-75°F (21-24 Celsius) day temps and 50°-55°F (10-13 Celsius) at night.

Good Light and. Bad Light
Light is a key factor in growing healthy orchids. Direct sunlight may cause plants to burn, and too little light will prevent plants from flowering. An ideal location is behind curtains or window blinds. If you receive your plant by mail, expose it to light gradually in stages over a period of several weeks.
Leaf color is a good indicator of the amount of light a plant is receiving. Orchids should have bright green, healthy leaves. Dark green leaves indicate that a plant is getting insufficient light, and yellowish-green or red leaves indicate that a plant is getting too much light. If you suspect a plant is exposed to too much light, feel the leaves. If they feel noticeably warmer than the surrounding air, move the plant to a location with less intense brightness.

Watering and Feeding

 Plants should not be allowed to dry completely. Water when almost dry. The pseudobulbs will shrivel slightly if the plant is too dry. Feed Dyna-Gro™ Liquid Grow 7-9-5 at the rate of 1/2 tsp./gal. with each watering.

To promote flowering, feed Dyna-Gro™ Liquid Bloom 3-12-6 or Mag-Pro™ 2-15-4 at the same rates and frequencies beginning 4-5 weeks before flower spike initiation.

Humidity

Odontoglossum enjoy moist air, requiring a minimum of 40-50% humidity in the immediate vicinity of the plant. Humidity should be increased with higher temperatures. The ideal humidity is between 55 and 75%, with as much ventilation or air movement as possible without any cold drafts. Humidity can be increased around the plant by placing the pot on an inverted saucer in a baking pan filled with pebbles, rock chips, etc., and water. Keep water level below top of pebbles so that the plant will not have "wet feet" from setting in water. Morning misting of foliage is also helpful, especially during periods of hot weather.

Repotting & Repot

 Plants should be repotted at least every two years or when the potting mix has broken down. Odonts prefer Fine Dyna-Rok II or a fine grade fir bark. After removing all the dead or rotted roots, choose a pot where the roots fit somewhat snugly. Do not over pot. The best time to repot is when a new growth is 1-3 inches long.

  Repot every two to three years from February to June with a well-draining medium. Fine bark is suitable in mild summer climates, while a finer medium Orchid Mix works well in warmer summer areas.