The genus Miltonia, whose representatives have multiple flowers on each stem, with spectacular shapes and colors reminiscent of pansies painted using watercolor technique, large in size and generally intensely fragrant, having a strong aroma of roses and citrus, was initially described by John Lindley in 1837.
Species of the genus Miltonia come from the southern and central areas of Brazil, extending to Argentina. Although representatives of this genus show strong similarities with those of the genus Miltoniopsis, the distinction regarding their cultivation lies in the preference for warm climate of Miltonia species, native to Brazil, as opposed to the preference for cooler climate in Miltoniopsis species, which come from Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Species of the genus Miltonia have a relatively medium to large size compared to other orchid genera, often reaching 50-60 cm in height. Their flowers strongly resemble those of Odontoglossum, but with much less complicated labellum shapes. Additionally, they are fragrant and can reach diameters of up to 10 cm. The general coloration features a background with shades of yellow with brown edges or, conversely, white with violet or lavender color gradients. Species of the genus Miltonia are anatomically distinguished by the number of leaves per pseudobulb, two, whereas in the genus Miltoniopsis, only one leaf per pseudobulb is observed.
Due to the heterogeneity of this genus, each species presents more or less distinct characteristics, which are implicitly reflected in the growing conditions, as an ecological adaptation to their native ranges. Some species are relatively difficult to cultivate, while others can be easily recommended for beginners, in which case we can suggest choosing a hybrid, as these show higher resistance to environmental variations.
The flower stalks have a slender appearance and generally curved shape, vibrant colors ranging from shades of red, pink, white, with gradient spots that can include a variety of yellow and orange shades. The persistence of the flowers is generally relatively short, however, from personal experience, we can certify cases of genus specimens that have kept their fragrant flowers for over 30 days.
The flowering season for Miltonia species is spring, although Miltonia spectabilis and its hybrids mainly bloom in autumn, and Miltonia schroederiana blooms both in spring and summer. The total lifespan of a specimen's flowers is 2 – 3 months, considering that the flowers tend to open successively, not simultaneously. An exception to this rule is Miltonia warscewiczii, whose flowering can start in spring and finish in the autumn of the following year.
In terms of light intensity values, Miltonia species are not demanding and can be grown both in intense light and partial shade. Southern and western orientations will be preferred, provided that we ensure direct light does not affect the plants, being filtered beforehand through a curtain or other plants.
Species of the genus feel best at moderate temperatures, with values of 21 – 26 ℃ during the day and minimums of 18 – 21 ℃ at night.
Humidity necessary for the successful growth of Miltonia species ranges between 60 – 80%, with species preferring cooler climates rarely tolerating temperatures above 30℃. If avoiding high temperatures is not possible, one can equally opt to increase air humidity proportionally with the thermal factor, as high humidity, on one hand, helps efficiently manage thermal stress, and on the other hand, water evaporation implicitly lowers the temperature at the level of plant tissues. In this case, the indicated humidity for growing cool climate species in warm areas should be between 80 – 90%, using humidifiers, water saucers, or unglazed wet ceramics for this purpose. Equally, increasing humidity and temperature should be accompanied by ensuring proper ventilation to facilitate evapotranspiration and prevent fungal diseases.
The substrate recommended for cultivating Miltonia species will be composed of small-caliber bark, mixed with sphagnum moss and perlite or pumice stone. Due to the high humidity of the growing environment and its accelerated degradation, it is recommended to change the substrate after a period of 1 - 2 years. The recommended period for transplanting is immediately after flowering and until new growths are noticed, when their size reaches 5 cm and they begin to develop their own roots. Transplanting during hot summer days is strongly discouraged, as it can stop flowering for long periods.
Watering is considered by most enthusiasts to be the most delicate and controversial aspect regarding the cultivation of Miltonia species. During the growing season, Miltonia requires frequent and abundant watering, but it is essential that excess water can drain without stagnating in the growing containers. Although drying the substrate between two successive waterings is recommended and should be taken into account, at the same time, complete drying of the substrate will not be allowed, as especially during the flowering season, it will invariably lead to flower abortion. In the summer season, it is recommended to spray the plants with water to increase air humidity, also preventing the appearance of spider mites and other harmful mites, but only in the first part of the day, to allow the water to evaporate before evening, when temperatures will drop.
Miltonia species are very sensitive to rot and other fungal diseases, in this regard it is recommended, in case of excessive spraying, to wipe the leaves with a tissue, especially in the axillary area, 2 – 3 hours after applying the respective treatment.
Fertilizations will be carried out during the growth period at a concentration of 30 – 35% of the manufacturer's recommended dosage, avoiding higher concentrations, as the roots of Miltonia species are extremely susceptible to chemical burns and rot.
Miltonia species require ensuring a rest period to benefit from successful reflowering, usually starting immediately after the maturation of new pseudobulbs (generally at the beginning of autumn), when the new growths have matched the size of the already existing plants. The rest will consist of reducing temperature and watering and completely stopping fertilization. The ideal temperature during this period will be between 15 – 16℃, and watering will be done at most once a week, with small amounts of water. After the appearance of flower stalks, the rest period will be stopped, returning to the general watering schedule, both in volume and frequency, as well as to the current growth temperatures indicated earlier.
After flowering, it is recommended to remove the flower stalks and perform transplantations, where applicable, followed by keeping the plants without water for a period of time, to provide a rest and recovery period after abundant flowering, but also to allow acclimatization after replanting. An exception in this case is the species Miltonia warscewiczii, for which the removal of flower stalks will not be chosen, only the flowers, since this species will repeatedly produce new lateral stalks from the existing ones, and these will flower in turn, without the need to ensure a rest period.
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