Not very many Miltoniopsis fans?

[RosieC]

Mine has four buds just now, and other spike starting as well. Just hope I can get them to open OK

[silken]

High humidity seems to be the trick to getting them to open fully.

[Hedge]

I too struggle with these plants. The first one I had sat there producing ever smaller growths until I gave up onit and consigned it to the garden in the sky! I have now been bold enough to buy a new Noid cos it is so beautiful, it is scented and all six buds have opened fully now. It would not like its current position if the heating was on so I'll have to move it in the winter. I have managed to reflower Oncidium group plants in the last two years so I am hopeful the Milt. Noid will survive my tender care!!!!!

Here it is

[quiltingwacko]

I have noticed that mine like a lot of water and to be cool, not warm. Carol

[silken]

That's a beautiful NOID. I would love to have one like that or similar. I tried to order one but it was sold out and there aren't too many places in Canada to order from. I may get one from Paramount in Calgary in the near future.

[chipmunk1]

Here in the US, one can often find Miltoniopsis in regular supermarkets and grocery stores alongside Phalaenopsis.

My first Miltoniopsis was a dehydrated noid rescue picked up from a trash bin. I put it in NZ sphagnum moss, kept it moist not soggy under fluorescent grow lights and within 3 months it produced 2 new growths and 2 spikes on each growth shortly afterwards. I do not find Miltoniopsis to be fussy in my growing conditions - low humidity, <60% RH. I let the media dry out a bit between watering (regular tap water) and only fertilize when I remember (very dilute fish fertilizer). I flush the media once a month.

The biggest problem with my Miltoniopsis is that their leaf tips have a tendency to turn brown probably from too much mineral salts in the water, and spider mite attack due to low humidity especially during winter. But these problems are very minor.

My good experience with the noid rescue led me to grow other Miltonipsis hybrids and species. The easiest Miltoniopsis to grow for me is Miltoniopsis roezlii. I think it unfortunate that many growers especially beginners shy away from Milltoniopsis because of their reputation for fussiness. They grow like weeds in my less than ideal conditions.

[nenella]

Thanks for posting chipmuk1, I too struggle with this alliance. .. I have gottten mine to re flower once but then lost it's roots (overwatering) will keep on trying!

[silken]

You don't find Milt's or much else besides Phals in our supermarkets and box stores. In the spring Walmart carries some large Cymbidiums for a good price and Home Depot used to have the occasional Oncidium, but I have never seen one there. Our one large Safeway grocery store carries some Cattleyas now. Our city doesn't have any place that specializes in orchids. Several garden centres carry some but they are expensive and quite often NOIDS. So placing orders in our orchid society is the best way to go.

I just received 3 Milts that I ordered from 'Orchids in Our Tropics' in Ontario. They are good large plants for only $15.00 each plus shipping and tax. One was in bud and has mostly opened in the last few days. I will post a photo in a day or two. Unfortunately, the flowers seem to be facing every which way and it will be difficult to get a real nice photo. I am trying to get them to all orient the same way, but its to late I think!

[silken]

I meant to add a comment to Chipmunk. On the prairies here we consider 60% RH to be med to high for orchids grown indoors. In our homes our humidity is more like 30 or 40%. I keep mine in a greenhouse raised up on trays with water in so I do manage to keep RH at around 50 or 60%

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by nenella

Thanks for posting chipmuk1, I too struggle with this alliance. .. I have gottten mine to re flower once but then lost it's roots (overwatering) will keep on trying!

I haven't found these to be very difficult once I found some that had good enough root systems, strong plants, and knew what was going on.

Yes, people tend to over water these guys.

I recommend using medium grade wood chips. Make sure the pot drains well. It helps tremendously to have a clear plastic pot. Water when the medium gets dry.

They are for the most part intermediate growing.

Moderate indirect light.

Moderate humidity is fine.

I use RO/DI water, and the plants have no leaf tip die back.

I currently own a Miltoniopsis phalaenopsis. It is the least problematic Miltoniopsis I've ever grown.

Buds survived repotting upon purchase. Plant came in bud.

I suspect the species Miltoniopsis are easier to grow.