The Miltonia orchid has a total of nine species from Brazil, although previously some from Colombia and Peru were included, but now only those from Brazil belong to this genus.
Miltonia is distinguished by particular beauty that it hasfor a pleasant perfume and for certain differences regarding the cultivation. The correct cultivation of these plants will offer you spectacular flowers that you will be able to enjoy in the warmth of your home.
These are the characteristics and care of the Miltonia
Different leaves and roots
Because it is an epiphytic plant, the roots of Miltonia have their roots exposed, but unlike others these they are more delicate to manipulate because they are thinner and have a whitish tone; It should be noted that it is not essential that they receive sunlight.
The leaves also have very specific differences that also account for the health of the plant, these they are thin and elongated in the shape of swords, if they tend to turn reddish it is because the plant is receiving excess light and when they wrinkle it means that they need more sunlight.
Lighting and temperature
In Brazil, the country of origin of this species, the plant grows in a tropical rainforest environmentTherefore, for you to grow a healthy Miltonia you will need intense sunlight and keep them at least 85% moist. Another important fact is that one of the factors that encourages the flowering of the orchid is the low minimum temperature of 15 ° C since below this it is intolerable for the plant.
Once you get the flowers, the incomparable beauty, exotic and soft look but delicious aroma will delight you and decorate your garden for four or six weeks and depending on the care you give it and the size of the plant, since the bigger it is, the longer the flowers will last.
Miltonia orchids are born erect or as pendulums, they can be simple or with many branches and they carry from five to 20 flowers.
In general, the flowers are very large, however, those of the subgenus Miltoniopsiswhich are also more perfumed and more irregular in color. Those that receive this denomination of Miltoniopsis, are those Miltonia orchids that come from Colombia and Peru.
In particular, these require slightly lower temperatures, ideal for greenhouse crops and in summer it is recommended to keep them at 14 ° C at night and a maximum of 20 ° C during the day, while in winter they should be 8 ° and 12 °. C respectively.
The environment is any of the cases where Miltonias are grown, it must be very ventilated taking care of that the air currents do not hit the plants directly because they impair the emission of flower buds.
When the leaves of the plant take on a light green hue is a good indication, as you are getting the right amount of sunlight.
Regarding irrigation
When the plant is in a poorly drained substrate, the waterings should be less frequent, if on the contrary it is very sandy or drained, it requires constant watering since this plant needs to be always moistYou should preferably water them in the morning so that the leaves can dry during the day, thus preventing the water from being stored between the leaves.
When we are not supplying enough water, the leaves will tend to wrinkle and this aspect will be irreversible.
The Miltonia needs a constantly humid environmentso if it is in a controlled environment such as a pot you can place it on a base with gravel or clay which you will always keep moist, spray the leaves frequently and prevent the environment from drying out.
Fertilizer
Before fertilizing the plants, generously moisten the substrate, thus avoiding the concentration of mineral salts that harm her. Opt for those that contain equal parts: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium and dilute this in the irrigation water without excess.
