miltoniopsis for a noob

[fishmommy]

I just love these, and know that they need cooler temps than what I have in my growing area.

Can I grow miltoniopsis successfully in a large converted aquarium under CF? or do they require air circulation?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

First of all what are the day/night and seasonal temperatures of your area?

I don't think they need to be grown in an aquarium, especially if you're in New Hampshire.

I have one growing outdoors all year round right now, here in Los Angeles, CA, where summers can climb up to over 100 F during the summer.

Prior to this one I had a Mltnps hybrid, same thing, outdoors all year round no problems. Bloomed and everything.

Day and night differential is what makes the difference.

Lots of fresh air does wonders too.

There's also watering.

Most Mltnps are purchased with messed up root systems to begin with, because they were over watered.

[fishmommy]

what is the right time of year to shop for them?

[nhman]

I have successfully grown and bloomed numerous Milt from Ivan at Komoda Orchids in Hawaii over the years in NH.
I grow indoors under lights with a day to night temp diff of 70-85 degrees.
Really beautiful and fragrant orchids!!

[fishmommy]

Originally Posted by nhman

I have successfully grown and bloomed numerous Milt from Ivan at Komoda Orchids in Hawaii over the years in NH.
I grow indoors under lights with a day to night temp diff of 70-85 degrees.
Really beautiful and fragrant orchids!!

what is your lighting? I have a setup with HPS which is probably too hot, and a setup with CF that might work

Hi in Dover! I'm due West of you on the VT border.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

As long as it's not snowing in your area, any time in the year.

Try looking for some Mltnps locally first. Get a feel for how to select for a good plant.

Look at the roots first. Then pseudobulbs. Then leaves. Last flowers.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Maybe look at Clackams Orchids for some inexpensive divisions of Mltnps. Canby Orchids on Ebay is Clackamas Orchids, btw.

[fishmommy]

thank you!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

You're too kind.

[nhman]

Well, hello from the Seacoast!
I use banks (7) of T-5's for my lighting, all on timers.
I use 4 foot by 8 bulbs, mixed for color and hung over the orchids as dictated by a light meter for the particular orchid.
I have two fans to circulate the air and temp is controlled by an air conditioner (split type) in the room with several (OK more like 40 nozzles) mister nozzles and a combo of a humidifer and de-humidifer to control humidity. I keep the temps between 70 and 85 year round and the humidity about 60 to 65 percent when the mistering nozzles are not going off.
I use RO water for all of this and have tried to automate the process as much as possible to increase my enjoyment while reducing my work load. My electric bill is something else however and thus, I am looking for a direct feed from the Yankee nuclear plant if I can swing it! )