How to Grow the Pansy Orchid (Miltoniopsis)

The Pansy Orchid (Miltoniopsis)

If you're thinking about dropping by our Gently Used Plant Sale on Wednesday or Thursday of this week to scoop up some of the delicious orchids from our OrchidDaze display you may want some information about how to grow them. I'll post a new care sheet each day this week for you.
The Pansy Orchids are gorgeous.

The Pansy Orchid (Miltoniopsis)

Miltoniopsis is a genus of six tropical orchid species native to Costa Rica, Panama, Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador. They grow in moist humid forests ranging from warm lowlands to cooler highlands up to 2200 m. The hybrid offspring of these species which are commercially available today have been bred for large flower size and warmth tolerance. The hybrids typically flower in April, May and June, but commercial growers can force them into flower year round by giving them two months of short days at 68º, followed by two additional months of short days with nighttime lows between 52º and 58º.

Light

Miltoniopsis need to be shaded from hot sun. A couple of hours of mild morning sun in an unobstructed east window is good. In a greenhouse 75% shade.

Temperature

Miltoniopsis like mild temperatures. Try to keep the daytime temperature below 80º. Most orchids like a 15º difference between the daytime high and the night time low temperature. Miltoniopsis need cool temperatures at night (52º to 58º) in winter in order to set buds.

Humidity

70% to 80% is ideal.

Pots & Potting Media

Grow Miltoniopsis in relatively small pots. Two mixes work well for us: a bark-based mix (equal parts fine fir bark, charcoal and perlite) or a moss-based mix (equal parts New Zealand sphagnum and tree fern fiber). Repot every two years.

Water

Miltoniopsis should dry slightly between watering, but never become bone dry. Drench thoroughly. The drainage holes of the pot should not be immersed in water.

Fertilizer

1/4 to 1/2 strength every two weeks with a soluble general purpose fertilizer.

The Orchid Tapestry

The Conservatory Lobby features an Orchid Tapestry 

Orchid Daze 2012, Hanging Gardens was designed by Tres Fromme of StudioOutside. Tres' design for the entrance makes brilliant use of the soaring space inside the Conservatory Lobby. The orchid tapestry measures 12' from floor to ceiling. As seen from above its curving outline is broadly S-shaped as it traces a path between two opposing beds. The tapestry forms a vertical arch above the pathway in several places, allowing visitors to walk beneath it.

The Pansy Orchid (Miltoniopsis) is a terrific subject for this display. Miltoniopsis flowers are as large as those of Phalaenopsis and nearly as long lasting. The arching spikes are shorter than those of Phalaenopsis, but the plant typically produces 5 or more spikes of beautifully presented flowers. Miltoniopsis is much more tolerant of cool temperatures than Phalaenopsis, and so pairs well with Cymbidium, Dendrobium nobile, Masdevallia and other cool growing orchids that wither in the company of warm-growing Phals. 

And they smell delicious. In fact the fragrance in the Conservatory Lobby is overwhelming--in a sweetly floral way.

Oncidium Twinkle (we used two color forms: 'Red Fantasy' & 'Yellow Fantasy') makes a perfect pairing with Miltoniopsis hybrids, in texture, color and fragrance. The delicate texture of the flowers looks wonderful alongside the bolder flowers of the Pansy Orchid. I have always wanted to use Oncidium Twinkle in a display and finally had an opportunity this year.

Orchid Daze 2012, Hanging Gardens runs through Sunday April 15.