Vivi's Orchid Corner

a friendly, informative orchid column

Vivi's Orchid Corner

January 1999 - Volume 4, Issue 1

Miltonia flavescens

Dear Orchid Friends:
This species, Miltonia flavescens, is native to Brazil and parts of Paraguay. The Miltonia Genus also contains species from Columbia which are called the pansy orchids and are cool growing varieties. The Brazilian Miltonias do not resemble the pansy orchids and are much different in character. The genus Miltonia contains approximately twenty species and some natural hybrids. The Miltonias are part of the subtribe Oncidiinae. Miltonia flavescens was discovered in the 19th century in the Minas Gerais area of Brazil. An Englishman by the name of Harrison sent some these orchids to England in 1832.
These plants have yellow green foliage and leaves are thin and leafy (similar to oncidiums) with flattened pseudobulbs. This species has two leaves with leaf bearing bracts at the base. They have wandering rhizomes and the pseudobulbs are flat, elongated, and grow separate and apart from each other. The rhizomes spread quickly and grow well when mounted or placed in slatted wooden baskets. Leaves are sensitive to dehydration. Mist the leaves daily during extreme hot spells to prevent crinkling of leaves. If the leaves emerge wrinkled or accordion pleated, they will stay wrinkled and is an indication more watering is needed.
Miltonia flavescens tolerate strong light and warm temperatures. They can be grown in intermediate to warm environments. Grow them with cattleyas. Originally, the location I had placed my Miltonia flavescens caused them to receive more shade than they like and never flowered. I watered well (too well) for such a shady area. It was not a happy plant I moved the plant under a tree this summer and basically forgot about it. It received considerable light and much less water...yet it made a comeback and is now in bloom. Go figure.
This species likes high humidity, copious amounts of water and a fine medium with good drainage. They like regular applications of a dilute fertilizer mixture. My plant is growing in a slatted wooden basket which is suspended to allow good air movement. Keep the plant moist. Care difficulty ranges from average to difficult.
Generally, Miltonia flavescens will bloom in summer. Oddly enough, mine is blooming now in January! (perhaps it reverted back to the Brazilian summer which is opposite our Florida winter). Flowers are star shaped with slender sepals and petals. Flowers are a pale yellow to straw color. The whitish lip is ruffled with faint, delicate reddish streaks on the lip. Flowers are fragrant (an aroma of reminiscent of delicate bananas!) and are borne on a flattened spike which can carry 6-10 blooms on this spike. Flowers are approximately 6-7 cm (2") across and are relatively long lasting. Light is the key to getting this orchid to produce flowers. Give good air movement and circulation.
Miltonia flavescens like an intermediate to warm environment with partial shade. These plants are widespread throughout the country of Brazil; from the warm lowlands of Pernambuco in the North to Rio Grand do Sul in the South. Brazil is such a large country with diverse climates, it is amazing to realize how adaptable this species is. I like these orchids. They have a unique appearance and are a bit more of a challenge to grow.
Until next time,

Vivi