Vivi's Orchid Corner September 1999 - Volume 4, Issue 7 Miltonia spectabilis moreliana Dear Orchid Friends: This wonderful Brazilian species is finally blooming! Miltonia spectabilis moreliana typically blooms late summer to early autumn in the U.S. (which is early Spring in Brazil). Watching these lovely deep plum-purple flowers emerge brings back memories of the 15th WOC in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1996. They were abundant at the show. My Miltonias arrived as bare root plants (NBS) nearly three years ago and now are beginning their show. Miltonia spectabilis is in the oncidiinae subtribe and was the first miltonia introduced into culture. Miltonias are generally called "Pansy orchids", however, the Brazilian Miltonia spectabilis (var. moreliana) resemble the odontoglossums. Interestingly enough, I have mistakenly tried to grow these orchids as the cool growing Colombian miltonias. No wonder I had some difficulty. The Brazilian Miltonia spectabilis var. moreliana prefer intermediate to warmer climates and do best with more light. This past spring I started giving them degrees of light between phalaenopsis and cattleyas. This summer they have been getting strong Florida morning sun (early to late) with high diffuse light the rest of the day. I did not give my miltonias sufficient light these past few years. If the plants are getting enough light leaves will be a light yellow green color. Too much yellow or red tinge indicates too much sun. Ensure sufficient air movement and circulation. Miltonia spectabilis have flattened pseudobulbs spaced relatively far apart with creeping rhizomes. The rhizomes are covered with papery bracts and fine hairlike roots. When given proper growing conditions, Miltonia spectabilis can be a bit unruly and will grow over the edges of a pot. These plants do well when mounted and left to hang freely. Originally, I potted my Miltonias in a more dense medium and placed them on benches. This past year I changed the medium and hung them to allow good air circulation. What a difference this has made. Don't try to contain your plant in a pot. Let it grow wild! The Miltonia spectabilis appears sensitive to fertilizers. Use a more dilute solution of fertilizer than you would ordinarily use on other orchids. Remember to water vigorously. Miltonias require copious amounts of water, like high humidity and do not like prolonged periods of dryness. Higher temperatures and stronger light can cause them to dry out quickly, so water well. If the thin flat leaves appear accordion pleated, this is an indication of insufficient watering or too much light. I was surprised at how well the Miltonia spectabilis tolerated the higher temperatures and extremely high humidity of South Florida. Flowers of Miltonia spectabilis moreliana are a magnificent deep plum color borne on single spikes. Petals and sepals are oblong in shape with pointed tips and middle sepals curve backwards slightly. The flared skirt-like lip is a rose-purple color with deep plum veins. A white anther cap and yellow at the base of the lip give an extra dash of color on this deep satiny flower. Flowers are slightly fragrant (reminiscent of grape juice?) during the day. Originally, these orchids came from a grower in the mountains outside Rio de Janeiro (which is cooler) and thus I mistakenly tried to grow them in cooler conditions. Changing how I grow my Miltonia spectabilis moreliana this past year has rewarded me with healthy, flowering plants. Remember: intermediate to warm environments, lots of water, high humidity, high light, let hang freely! Until next time, Vivi

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