Also called panseluta orchids, the species of the genus Miltoniopsis, described in 1889 by Alexandre Godefroy - Lebeuf, numbering 5-6, still form over 2000 horticultural hybrids. Although they were initially included in the genus Miltonia, it was later found that they share much more similarities with the genus Odontooglossum. Of the 5-6 known botanical species, only 3, namely Miltoniopsis roezlii, Miltoniopsis Vexillaria and Miltoniopsis phalaenopsis, represent the parental species that were the basis for the creation of the impressive number of horticultural hybrids.

The species are native to Costa Rica, Panama, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, where they inhabit locations with an altitude between 500 and 2000 m and a variable climate, from humid, very warm meadows to relatively cold humid forests, as the middle zone , inhabiting moist forests with a temperate climate.

The basic characteristic of all preferred locations is high humidity , because in these areas, rains are frequent throughout the year, being commonly accompanied by massive deposits of dew or frequent fog.

Epiphytic or lithophilic species, the members of the genus Miltoniopsis differ from the species of Miltonia by the presence of a single leaf at the apex of the pseudobulb, which is surrounded by distinct, sheath-like leaves. The plants are medium-sized, with sympodial growth, with thin, narrow, light green leaves, arranged in fans at the base of the flattened pseudobulbs, in their more flattened areas.

The main flowering season is from spring to autumn, but some species and most of the hybrids can bloom at any time of the year. They produce inflorescences with 3-7 persistent flowers, up to 5 weeks, or sometimes more, but which wither quickly if they are cut, large (7-8 cm), fragrant , with an imposing appearance and variable chromaticity, from yellow to shades of red and purple.

The genus Miltoniopsis prefers low levels of light radiation , of 9000 - 15000 lux, without direct exposure to sunlight, similar to Paphiopedillum species with spotted leaves, but with relatively higher values ​​than recommended for Phalaenopsis species. In the cold season, they can tolerate somewhat higher light values, reaching up to 18,000 lux. Due to the fact that the light radiation requirements are low, species of the genus Miltoniopsis can grow without problems with artificial lights, if a moderate - high level of humidity is ensured. In many cases, the improvement of the quality of the flowers has been noticed if they are moved to more shaded areas immediately after the formation of the buds.

An indicator of the fact that the plants receive enough light is represented by the light green color of the leaves. Pale leaves indicate an excess of light, and dark green leaves signal insufficient values ​​of this parameter. The reddish or yellow-reddish color of the leaves indicates the need to reduce the light radiation values. The correct light is indicated by the appearance of a vague, slightly pink shade of the leaves. Often, it is difficult to ensure the necessary amount of light to trigger flowering, without also obtaining pale leaves. In the case of extremely intense light, the leaves can show sunburn, especially towards the middle of summer.

The temperature in the original areas rarely exceeds 27℃ during the day, and during the night it can frequently drop to 10℃ or below. The Miltoniopsis genus grows efficiently at temperatures similar to those for the Odontoglossum genus, in the range of 6 - 25℃, but being able to tolerate variations outside this range, for short periods of time. The ideal temperature for growth and flowering is 23-25℃ during the day and 16-18℃ during the night, with a variation of approximately 7-8℃. In the case of predominantly low temperatures, it is recommended to reduce the humidity. Plants do not appreciate temperatures higher than 25 ℃, requiring a decrease in light intensity and an increase in humidity, in order to tolerate such conditions. It is important to remember that the tolerance to higher temperatures increases with the increase in humidity.

The humidity required for the growth of Miltoniopsis orchids must be at a high level, the ideal being in this sense the association in larger groups with other plant species with a preference for high humidity. The optimal values ​​will be in the range of 70-80%, with maximum values ​​during the night, up to 80-90% and minimum values, during the afternoon, of 50-60%. Miltoniopsis species can tolerate, however, for short periods of time, humidity values ​​of even 20%, provided they are irrigated frequently. For periods with very high temperatures, it is recommended to spray the leaves and arrange the growth containers on trays with gravel or ceramic granules, filled with water. Another important aspect is represented by the need to ensure very good air ventilation, in order to prevent the occurrence of fungal diseases, as Miltoniopsis species grow in the natural environment in the upper part of the tree crowns.

There are many options for the culture of Miltoniopsis species regarding the choice of substrate , growing medium and containers. Whichever is the preferred selection, it will be decided on those combinations that favor water retention, at the same time allowing its rapid drainage. Since the species have relatively fine roots, a small-grained medium will be chosen, such as Orchiata Precision pine bark, or specially prepared mediums, containing a proportion of 70% fine bark and 30% perlite (you can buy it from here ). To this mix, some breeders sometimes add a proportion of charcoal, to favor the absorption of water and other substances and their gradual release into the environment. The dimensions of the culture vessels will not be too large, but large enough to contain the root mass and the substrate. Small containers contribute to irrigation control and prevention of excessive watering. If the appearance of root rot is noticed, this aspect is most often due to insufficient drainage and inadequate aeration of the substrate.

Pansy orchids require replanting every 1-2 years, depending on the substrate used. When replanting, it is recommended to completely remove the existing culture medium, accompanied by the removal of all affected roots, if necessary. Later, the plants will be placed in new pots, with fresh culture medium. All incisions made when cutting roots and dividing large plants will be disinfected before placing them in the new environment, stopping irrigation for 24 hours. The optimal period for replanting is autumn, when the growth of new roots begins and the new growths have completed approximately half of the time required for maturation. In this sense, the plants will have enough time for stabilization, before entering the warm season.

All species of Miltoniopsis will prefer a constantly moist environment . Inadequate irrigation will cause folding of the new leaves, in the case of a deficient amount of water. In the case of warm periods, in greenhouse conditions, the Miltoniopsis orchids will be irrigated daily. When the atmospheric humidity drops below 30-40%, it is recommended to spray the leaves with water, but making sure that they are swept before sunset. The substrate will never be allowed to dry completely for more than 1-2 days, especially in the hot season.

Fertilization will be carried out from spring to early autumn, during the growth period, but not during the winter. The fertilizer will be used at a dilution of 25-50% of the dose recommended by the manufacturer, and its administration will be carried out at intervals of 1-2 months. After fertilization, submersion irrigation will be used to remove excess fertilizer. Stimulation of flowering will be achieved by administering fertilizers low in Mg.

The growing conditions will be kept constant throughout the year, offering a thermal difference (which occurs naturally in most homes) of 6-11 ℃ from day to night. Irrigation will be slightly reduced during the winter, especially if the plants are grown in low light conditions, in areas with a short photoperiod, or if the night temperatures drop below 16℃. When the amount of water is reduced during the winter, the administration of the fertilizer will also be stopped, which can be administered again with the return to the watering scheme specific to the warm season.

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