Miltonia orchid - Characteristics and care instructions
The genus Miltonia, whose representatives present multiple flowers on each stem, with a spectacular shape and color, reminiscent of pansies painted by the watercolor technique, large in size and generally intensely fragrant, having a strong aroma of roses and citrus, was initially described by to John Lindley in 1837.
The species of the genus Miltonia come from the southern and central areas of Brazil, up to Argentina. Although the representatives of this genus show strong similarities with those of the genus Miltoniopsis , the distinction in terms of their growth is represented by the preference for the warm climate of the species of the genus Miltonia, originally from Brazil, as opposed to the preference for the cooler climate in the case of the species of the genus Miltoniopsis, which comes from Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.
The species of the genus Miltonia are relatively medium to large in size, compared to other orchid genera, often reaching up to 50-60 cm in height. Their flowers are strongly similar to those of Odontoglossum, but with much less complicated forms of the labellum. In addition, they are fragrant and can reach up to 10 cm in diameter. The general color scheme presents a background with shades of yellow with brown edges or, on the contrary, white with purple or lavender gradients. The species of the genus Miltonia are anatomically differentiated by the number of leaves per pseudobulb, two, while in the case of 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 the areas of origin. Some species are relatively difficult to cultivate, while others can easily be recommended to beginners, in which case we can suggest the choice of a hybrid, as they show a higher resistance to environmental variations.
The floral stems have a slender appearance and generally arched shape, vibrant colors, starting from shades of red, pink, white, with spots in gradients, which can include a variety of shades of yellow and orange. The persistence of the flowers is generally relatively short, but, from our own experience, we can certify cases of specimens of the genus that kept their fragrant flowers for a period of more than 30 days.
The flowering season for Miltonia species is spring, although Miltonia spectabilis and its hybrids bloom especially in autumn, and Miltonia schroederiana both in spring and summer. The total lifespan of the flowers of a specimen is 2-3 months, considering the fact that the flowers tend to open successively, not simultaneously. An exception to this rule, however, is Miltonia warscewiczii , whose flowering can start in the spring, and can be completed in the autumn of the following year.
From the point of view of light intensity values, the species of the Miltonia genus are not pretentious, being able to be grown both in intense light and in partial shade . Southern and western orientations will be preferred, provided we ensure that direct light will not affect the plants, being filtered in advance, by means of a curtain or other plants.
The species of the genus feel best at moderate temperatures, with values of 21-26 ℃ during the day and minimums of 18-21 ℃ during the night.
The humidity required for the successful growth of Miltonia species is in the range of 60-80%, the species preferring cool climates rarely tolerating temperatures above 30℃. If it is not possible to avoid high temperatures, it is possible to opt, with equal success, for the increase of air humidity proportional to the increase of the thermal factor, since high humidity, on the one hand, contributes to the efficient management of thermal stress, and on the other hand, evaporation of water implicitly induces a decrease in temperature at the level of plant tissues. In this case, the humidity indicated for the growth of cool climate species in warm areas will have to be in the range of 80-90%, being able to use humidifiers, saucers with water or unglazed wet ceramics in this sense. Equally, the increase in humidity and temperature will be accompanied by the provision of adequate ventilation, to facilitate evapotranspiration and prevent the installation of fungal diseases.
The substrate recommended for the cultivation of Miltonia species will be composed of low-caliber bark, mixed with sphagnum moss and perlite or pumice stone. Due to the high humidity of the cultivation 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 the moment when the development of new growth is noticed, when their dimensions reach 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 of time.
Irrigation is, according to most enthusiasts, the most delicate and controversial aspect of growing Miltonia species. During the growing season, Miltonia requires frequent and abundant watering, but without omitting that it is absolutely necessary that the excess water can drain, without stagnating in the culture containers. Although loosening the substrate between two successive waterings is recommended and must be taken into account, equally, its complete drying will not be allowed, because, especially in the flowering season, it will invariably lead to the abortion of the flowers. In the summer season, it is recommended to spray the plants with water, to increase the humidity of the air, at the same time preventing the appearance of spiders and other harmful mites, but only in the first part of the day, to allow the water to evaporate before the evening, when the temperatures will drop.
Miltonia species are very sensitive to rots and other fungal diseases , in this sense it is recommended, in case of excessive spraying, to wipe the leaves with a napkin, especially in the axillary area, 2-3 hours after the administration of the respective treatment.
Fertilization will be carried out during the growth period at a concentration of 30-35% of the dosage recommended by the manufacturer, avoiding higher concentrations, as the roots of Miltonia species are extremely susceptible to chemical burns and rotting.
Miltonia species require a rest period to benefit from success in reblooming, usually starting immediately after the maturation of the new pseudobulbs (generally at the beginning of autumn), when the new growths have equaled the size of the existing plants. The rest will consist in reducing the temperature and irrigation and the complete cessation of fertilization. The ideal temperature during this period will be in the range of 15-16℃, and watering will be carried out at most once a week, with reduced amounts of water. After the appearance of the flower peduncles, it will be decided to stop the rest period, returning to the general watering scheme, both in terms of volume and frequency, as well as at the current growth temperatures, previously indicated.
After flowering , it is recommended to remove the flower peduncles and carry out transplants , where appropriate, followed by keeping the plants without water for a period of time, to provide a period of rest and recovery after the abundant flowering, but also to allow acclimatization after replanting . The exception in this case is the species Miltonia warscewiczii, in which you will not opt for the removal of the floral peduncles, but only the flowers, as this species will repeatedly produce new lateral peduncles, from the already existing ones, and they will bloom in turn, without having to ensure a rest period.
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