Miltonia

Miltonia is known as pansy orchids. It is cool growing orchid. Mostly miltonia grow throughout the year in moist place. It is usually watered twice a week. While watering it should be noticed that the water should not be stand on the leaves or soft rot may occur. Miltonia likes moist air and requires minimum 55-65% humidity. Miltonia must be fertilized with half strength nitrogenous fertilizer on a regular basis. During new growth is developing fertilizer should be used twice per month. Leaves of miltonia should be should be light green if colour appears dark green then we must increase lighting, whereas if leaves become yellowish green or reddish then increase shading. Common pests are scale spider, mites and aphids and using Neem oil can control it.

Culture : Miltonia is not much sensitive to temp but it varies according to their origin. Usually Miltonia show a rest period after blooming. It should be watered more abundantly during active growth. It needs at least 65% humidity and good ventilation all the time. Weekly fertilizing with a balanced formula is beneficial during active growth. They may be potted in compost; medium sized charcoal or mounted on plagues of vegetable fobre. If mounted, it will need more frequent watering.

Temperature : During summer the maximum temperature should be around 24-27˚C, if the temp is higher for any length of time they may not flower. In winter temp should be kept above 14˚C, if they are allowed to get colder extra care should be taken.

Light : We must give bright situation but not direct sunlight. It is a good conservation plant as long as summer shade and good air movement can be provided.

Water : The compost must be kept evenly moist but not waterlogged throughout the year. Plant must be watered from the top and allow any excess to drain away. During summer plants grow more actively so it should be watered once a week.

Ventilation : Miltonia needs good air circulation. Air circulation allows plant to absorb more light without burning since leaf temp is reduced air circulation can be provided by fan, open vents or cooling system.

Potting : Miltonia prefers to grow into good-sized clumps before dividing. It usually produce more and better flowers if left in a large clump. Whatever medium is used, it should retain moisture and at the same time provide excellent drainage. The mix is composed of fine fin bark, 10% small sized charcoal or 15% perlite.

Feed : Usually Miltonia must be regular feeded with a coeak solution of orchid feed during summer. Balanced orchid fertilizer such as Ivens orchids is used during autumn feeding once a month is sufficient. It is not necessary to feed in winter.

Air humidity : Moist air is essential similarly good air circulation is also required to prevent bacterial and fungal infection. The plant can be kept in a room where humid air is present such as bathroom, Kitchen, utility room or conservatory.

After Flowering : We must cut off old flower stems near to the base so that flowers develop from new pseudo bulbs in next season.

Repotting : Repotting should not be done during summer. Miltonia will benefit from repotting every other spring, the best time being as new roots & shoots are developing. Orchid compost, which has a very open texture usually made from a moss and bark is used.

Pests & Diseases : Using modern insecticides can cure most of the pest problems. Poor culture will cause fungal & bacterial rots. These areas can be treated with fungicide and remove bad portion with the help of sterile knife.