Please help identify this beauty total newbie here

[Nightraven]

Hello everyone, I've recently started to collect orchids and currently feel somewhat overwhelmed. I went to my local flower district here in NYC and purchased this beauty because of it's incredible fragrance. I somehow feel this is definitely a hybrid if an orchid at all. The store clerk confirmed it was an orchid but I am somewhat suspicious. I've included some pictures for reference and any information would be greatly appreciated. One thing I immediately noticed are the roots are really thinner than most orchids I've seen but then again, I am so new to this. Thank you all so much...

[campchi]

It's an orchid, i think you have miltonianopsis hybrid. Maybe others can give you a better ID

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[Nightraven]

[QUOTE=campchi;802964]It's an orchid, i think you have miltonianopsis hybrid. Maybe others can give you a better ID

Thank you so much @campchi! I feel so much better. I was particularly worried the media was not the traditional sphag, bark etc... I really appreciate the info. Off to figure out maintenance.

[Pattywack]

Do a search for Miltoniopsis Andrea West. That looks like one I've had. Smells very sweet. Should be grown in bark in my opinion. Spag moss stays too wet.

[silken]

It's definitely a Miltoniopsis. Can't say what hybrid without a label as there are quite a few out there and some look similar. But standard Miltoniopsis care is good. Keep moist but well drained. Not too much sun or heat. They prefer medium to cooler temps.

[Optimist]

Yes, I read your first intro post too. /being in an apartment, it is really important to make sure what your light/sun levels are. Some orchids are almost full sun, and they are more difficult to care for in apartments without outdoor situations. You really should stick to lower light orchids like Phals and Paphiopedilums unless you want to put together a lighting situation. The Miltonia will like being next to a window. They like a lot more watering then the phal, who can be killed with too much water. (Just my 2Cents worth).

[estación seca]

I seem to recall a number of people on Orchid Board who live around New York City do well with Miltoniopsis. They don't like heat and they don't like to dry out. But, they also don't want to be soggy.

The ones with pansy face flowers are called Miltoniopsis now; if you use the Search feature in the top maroon bar and search on this name, you can find a lot more information about them.

[wintergirl]

Welcome to OrchidBoard
I keep some of my milts in s.moss and small bark mix in a clay pot. The clay will help keep you from over-watering.
Thier roots are rubbery and finer than the phals. Mine usually get watered about once a week. Lightly touch the top of the media. If it almost dry you could wait one day. They like to dry just a little but not completely. I wet the entire pot and let the water run through. Mine bloomed in a North window, so they don't need a ton of light really.

[cjm3fl]

^ What these good folks said.

But remember, as you become more experienced you will learn to "read" your plants and recognized when it's time to water or feed or re-pot.

Don't fall into the "It's Tuesday, time to water" routine.
Most commonly available orchids have a low learning curl but it does take a little bit to get used to noticing things.

[Nightraven]

Thank you all so much! Yes I'm learning as I go along. Thankfully I have some indoor LED lights to supplement future orchids that will need the extra brightness as I really don't want to limit myself and I have become overtly cautious with watering. I'm keeping a watchful eye and quite frankly enjoying the coddling my babies are receiving. What is concerning me at the moment is fertilizing, which one, food vs fertilizer. Currently I purchased a miracle gro plant stick of which seems to be working somewhat but what is confusing is once again food vs. fertilizing or both? Thank you all so much once again, I really appreciate all of your advice and am extremely happy to have found you all.