Milt(onia) vs. Milt(oniopsis)??

[theredhead]

I'm confused on the whole Miltonia vs. Miltoniopsis differentiation. I was looking for some orchids for the north facing (Colorado) windows at my office, and the nice folks at Fantasy Orchids suggested milts. I came home with 2 in bud, which I'm already enjoying. I have:

1 pink milt (vexillaria x Lady Veitch) w/2 spikes, just starting to bloom.

1 red milt Arnold Linsman 'Hot & Spicy' w/2 spikes, will bloom in the next couple weeks.

I believe they are miltoniopsis?

I would appreciate some guidance on the difference between the two, as when going some quick research they are often just referred to as 'milts'. I've ended up with some conflicting information from people.

Several specific questions:
- do the plants I have want to be watered more often, or allowed to dry a bit?
- how long does it take the blooms to open? They seem slow compared to my white phal.
- mist daily?
- would they benefit from a supplemental light?
- where can I buy (online) more of these lovely plants? I'd especially like some yellow.

Thanks.

-the redhead-

[theredhead]

PS - What is a community pot?

-the redhead-

[Ray]

In reverse order...

A "community pot" is usually a group of seedlings taken from the flask and potted up as a group, rather than individually (which is done when they mature a bit).

Miltonias are warm-growing plants, with species like bluntii, clowesii, and spectabilis being commonly grown.

Miltoniopsis (that formerly had been considered miltonias) tend to be cool-growing species. The pansy-like "waterfall" lipped plants are in this category.

They do interbreed.

[quiltergal]

Ivan Komoda specializes in Miltoniopsis and Masdevallias though he's phasing out the Masdies. Most of the plants he is breeding are somewhat temperature tolerant. I've ordered 7 Masdies from him and they are awesome plants. I know others have ordered Milts from him as well and been very happy. If you have questions call and talk to Ivan. He's very helpful and nice. Here's his website.

I. N. KOMODA ORCHIDS - MILTONIOPSIS

The two Milts I have like to be kept evenly moist but not sopping wet. Both are directly under T5 lighting so I'm growing them fairly bright. One that I just divided this summer is spiking. The other is maturing 4 new growths. They both are amazingly fragrant. The blooms take forever to open completely. Don't bother misting. It will just leave black spots on the leaves. You can mist the root zone if it makes you feel better.

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[Lilavati]

Part of the reason its confusing, to my understanding, is that they were grouped together in the same genus for a long time, and later split. As a result, sometimes they are referred to by the wrong genus name. Miltonia was the original genus.

They also resemble each other, especially when not in bloom.

I'd get them supplimental light on a north window, unless they are HUGE floor to ceiling office windows a la a skyscraper.

I mist my plants daily, especially in the winter, because the air is so dry, and I have a number Miltanopsis hybrids.

[theredhead]

Thanks for the info, everyone. My plants are indeed Miltoniopsis.

I found this culture sheet, which has pointed me in the right direction. I'm hoping they are happier now I've bought them a proper humidity tray. The 'evenly moist' thing is still a little confusing - I'm thinking I'm going to try 1 soak and 2 mistings per week since it's pretty dry here.

I'd get them supplimental light on a north window, unless they are HUGE floor to ceiling office windows a la a skyscraper.

That is exactly my situation. We are also at a higher altitude, so that helps. I will be ordering a light meter this week so I can answer that question definitively.

-the redhead-

[quiltingwacko]

Don't worry. You will get the hang of it as you go along. If they are not getting enough water, there will be little folds in the leaves. They look like little accordian pleats. Then you will know to put a little more water on them. Mine have been very tolerant while I learned to care for them. sometimes I overwatered and sometimes I forgot them! Carol

[AboutOrchids]

Originally Posted by theredhead

I found this culture sheet, which has pointed me in the right direction.

I've found the Bakers' culture sheets extremely helpful. I believe they're meteorologists by trade, so they're climate info is great. They've really helped me understand good orchid growing conditions.

[theredhead]

I believe they're meteorologists by trade, so they're climate info is great.

That's right up my alley, as I work at UCAR/NCAR (National Center for Atmospheric Research) on the business side. I should drop them a note.

-the redhead-

[theredhead]

Question for the day - a couple of my milt blooms are 'stuck' at cup stage, about 2/3rd the way vs. open flat. It's not that the petal are stuck on each other, but more like they are stalled at that stage of opening. Is there anything I can do for them?

I'm wondering if this is a reaction to moving them from the grower's greenhouse to my office (lower humidity & less light)? The other blooms are maturing and opening slowly, so I don't yet know if they will end up the same way.

Thanks.

-the redhead-