miltassia care and repotting
 

Hi,
I just received my little miltassia "finch" orchid. It looks to be fairly young(3 bulbs and one new shot). Any recommendations on potting media and what cultural requirements are necessary. Does it need a temp diff to bloom? Very little info online. Thanks . Mo

I suspect you may have Miltassia Charles M. Fitch. Miltassia (now Bratonia) is an Oncidium alliance intergeneric hybrid of Miltonia and Brassia.

Finer grade media, allow media to approach dry before watering. Moderately bright light. Intermediate to warm temps. I don't think this requires any temp reduction to initiate spikes.

Any pictures Mo?

I place my Miltassia/ Oncidium intergenerics in small lava rock with coco husk and perlite mixed it and it works very well for me. The main thing is ensure to water enough. They let you know when the bulbs shrivel they need water.

Hi, I have a Mtssa 'Lavender Kiss' that just finished flowering. Should I cut the spike? It's still green. Thanks!!

An aesthetic decision... you won't get any more flowers from the spike. On the other hand, the plant can "recycle" the tissues of the green spike (which will eventually turn brown) so leaving it does no harm and may help a little. But if you don't like looking at it, you won't harm the plant by clipping it.