Miltonia vs Miltoniopsis?

[quiltergal]

I'm showing my ignorance here but can someone tell me what the difference is between Miltonia and Miltoniopsis? I have a NOID, and would at least like to narrow the genus down so I can get the cultural requirements down.

[caseydoll]

Terri, I'm sorry I don't have an answer to your question. I started laughing when I read your post because I have been wondering the same thing! I read the care sheet and still don't really get it. Thanks for asking! lol

[cb977]

I found this:
Orchids of The World - Miltonia

and this:
Pansies or orchids?

[(..._...)]

I find it kind of confusing that you can have a miltoniopsis, but the id will say 'miltonia'!

All I really know is that miltonia is warm growing and need a slight drying period and miltoniopsis are cool and moist growing

[quiltergal]

Cool beans! Thanks so much Sue! Looks like I have a Miltoniopsis. How I got a cool grower to bloom is beyond me!

Thanks Sarah! Now I don't feel like such a . It's nice to have company!

[cupcake]

We're all in the same boat Honey! I am SO confused!

[Orchidflowerchild]

Miltoniopsis is, essentially, greek for Miltonia-like. The thing is, Miltonia was described first, and when the Miltoniopsis species were described, they were described as miltonia based on certain floral similarities. Later examination warranted elevation to generic status of the pansy-flowered Miltoniopsis based on various morphological and genetic differences. The easiest way to tell them apart is that miltoniopsis hae a decidedly blue-green colour to the foliage, and Miltonias tend to have a yellowish or bronzy green colour, as well as a more oncidium-like growth habit (in the case of M. regnellii and flava etc.) or a rangy, decidedly rhizomatous growth habit (M. spectabilis). Also, the flowers of true Miltonias are generally much starrier than those of Miltoniopsis. Miltoniopsis look, in all respects (foliar, floral, etc.) *softer* to me.

-Cj