Should I even attempt a miltoniopsis?

[Wade Coleman]

My favorite orchid nursery currently has some BEAUTIFUL Miltoniopsis for sale and I am very tempted to purchase one, but I’ve read about how finicky they can be. My environment is ideal, all for except the summer times where it gets into the upper 80’s. Is this too hot for them to grow properly? The fall, winter, and spring are generally cooler with an average of about 78, give or take, but the summers can get pretty warm. Anyone with experience with these plant, feel free to share your wisdom!

[JScott]

I have one, and I've only had it for a year, but it rebloomed for me this spring. I keep it inside most of the year. Our summers in Oklahoma can regularly get upwards of 100 degrees, with heat waves as high as 115. I bought my Miltoniopsis in bloom last spring, and I kept it outside until about June, then I brought it inside the house where it is air conditioned. I put it back outside in the fall when it started to cool off again, and then brought it back in when it got too cold. I'm sure somebody with more ideal temperatures could grow it better than I can. It only had two spikes this year, and the flowers were smaller than the ones on it when I bought it, but I like it, and I think it is worth having, even if it doesn't reach its full potential. I would say go for it. You might be surprised, and it might do great, and even if it doesn't, how much do they cost? 20 or 30 dollars? It's not a huge loss if it doesn't make it, and at least then you'll know.

[Roberta]

Your conditions are reasonable. Even the summer highs don't seem bad to me. How will you know if you don't try?

[fooferdoggie]

we got one without knowing at a local store. it was outside all summer in s/h since there is not a huge temp difference in summer but it got upto 100 outside. it seems happy during winter but no blooms. saw a whole bunch of them at a local food store really wanted one but nope.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Your conditions should be good. You can read about the cultural requirements here:

Miltoniopsis Culture: Colombian-Type Miltonia (Miltoniopsis) Culture