Miltonia/miltoniopsis in volcanic rock - good idea or not?

[mexicowpants]

I've just had a miltonia/miltoniopsis die on me, I think it may have been caused by a combination of heat and poor drainage - all the pbs started to rot from the bottom. It was potted up in a sphagnum/coconut/bark mix. I have another which is potted up the same way, which seems to be doing OK at the moment, but I have to say I'm a bit worried about leaving it like that. Temperatures here are pretty high right now (up to 36c outside), and humidity not as good as it could be (30%-ish).
How do these plants fare in volcanic rock? Obviously I'm aware that its watering schedule would have to increase somewhat, but it's been my favourite media for pretty much all species as far as preventing root rot is concerned.

Any input much appreciated guys

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[campchi]

I have not been able to keep them alive, been killing 4 so far, wo can't give you much advise. From what I've read, they like it moist, cool temp and high humidity. Anyways, hope others experince members can give you more advice

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[estación seca]

There's a huge difference between these two genera. They are biologically related but grow very differently. Get out of the habit of thinking of them together.

Many Miltonias can handle your heat and lower humidity. They tend to come from lower elevations and much hotter habitats, sometimes with dry seasons.

Miltoniopsis are cool-growing orchids that can tolerate intermediate temperatures. They don't hve dry seasons. Even with perfect conditions a Miltoniopsis will die in the heat.

Lava rock probably works fine for both genera if you adjust watering.

[mexicowpants]

Originally Posted by estación seca

There's a huge difference between these two genera. They are biologically related but grow very differently. Get out of the habit of thinking of them together.

Noted. It was sold to me as a Miltonia, so we'll assume for now that's what it is. I'll post a pic or two of it later to confirm that.

Originally Posted by estación seca

Lava rock probably works fine for both genera if you adjust watering.

That's the answer I was hoping for. I've been super comfortable with this media - I find controlling moisture in lava rock way easier. Thanks!

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[Pattywack]

I have a Miltoniopsis that I've been growing for two years. It is growing in bark with charcoal mixed in. It likes to be moist but never sits in water. It grows in my kitchen near south facing glass doors, bright area. It is planted in a plastic pot with lots of holes, then sits inside a decorative pot. In the bottom of the decorative pot I have wine corks to keep the plant out of water. I let water sit there for added humidity. I change the water frequently.

I would be afraid to move my plant to lava rock, not sure it would stay moist.

[Pattywack]

My Miltoniopsis was a gift and the tag called it a Miltonia, it is not. Here it is.

[mexicowpants]

This is my surviving one:


And this is the one that didn't make it ... at a happier time in its life:




Are they both Miltonia?

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[Pattywack]

The Miltoniopsis is known as the Pansy Orchid as the blooms look like a Pansy. If I remember corectly there is something about the leaf coming from the top of the bulb, I'll have to go check that information though.

I think you have Miltoniopsis and very beautiful! I bet is smells wonderful too.

[Orchid Whisperer]

You can grow just about any orchid in volcanic scoria if you water it often enough, but you might need to water more than once a day to keep Miltonias happy. Possibly too dry, too much drainage.

[estación seca]

Both photos show Miltoniopsis hybrids. The cooler the nights you can give them during the summer, the happier they will be.