Miltonia help - Orchid Board

notsosavvy · #1 (**permalink**) 06-14-2007, 02:48 PM

Hello to all. I am new to this forum and to Orchids. I was given a Miltonia in May. It did fine till this month. It is loosing the leaves. They are turning yellow at the base. Some of the blooms did open,but the other two stalks turned brown. I have it in a north facing window,no sun,I water from the bottom 2 times a week. It is in a small pot in another pot filled with what looks like bark.Can any one tell me what I am doing wrong,or what I need to do to save it?
Thanks

quiltergal · #2 (**permalink**) 06-14-2007, 03:21 PM

Sounds like it may not be getting enough water. Try watering from the top and make sure the medium gets good and wet. If you are in an area where the summers are hot that may be an issue too, as Milts like to be cool. I'd put it in the sink tomorrow morning and give it a good soak for an hour or two. If you can post a picture it would help us identify the problem better.

Ross · #3 (**permalink**) 06-14-2007, 05:06 PM

Firstly, welcome to the board.

Next to the problem. There could be a couple issues. I really don't understand the potting setup from what you said. Miltonias seem to want a steady supply of water while in growth and while blooming. (Darned if I can figure out how to do that

) So it's possible that daily watering is more suited to your plant.

Another issue is that some others have indicated problems with Miltonias this particular season while others are displaying gorgeous photos of blossoms. My personal plant has always done fine, but this year did as you say - spikes blasted, blossoms didn't open fully, etc. Wish I could say: fix this and you'll be good to go, but I think there are two many possibilities.

Becca · #4 (**permalink**) 06-14-2007, 07:03 PM

Hi! My only other comment I have to add to what others have mentioned is that I was told that during the summer when it gets hot that miltonia's won't look so great, but once the temps come back down that they will perk up and do their thing...just as Terri mentioned about temps in her reply. I think this could be part of the issue...and the watering as well like others mentioned. Oh, and welcome to the board, you will find that this is a great place to come and get answers to your questions and not have to feel awkward about asking to many!

Ross · #5 (**permalink**) 06-14-2007, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RPfeiffer

Hi! My only other comment I have to add to what others have mentioned is that I was told that during the summer when it gets hot that miltonia's won't look so great, but once the temps come back down that they will perk up and do their thing...just as Terri mentioned about temps in her reply. I think this could be part of the issue...and the watering as well like others mentioned. Oh, and welcome to the board, you will find that this is a great place to come and get answers to your questions and not have to feel awkward about asking to many!

i didn't realize milts like cool. maybe that's the problem I had/have?

Lagoon · #6 (**permalink**) 06-14-2007, 08:41 PM

Milts prefer coolish but can tolerate warmth, some will be better at it then others. I try to keep mine well water and cooled in clay pots.

I think much of the trouble happens when there is too much heat Day and Nite, and never any break - cool down time.
How long does the water stay on the bottom of the pot before it's sipped up by the orchid??

First place I would check is the root zone.
Does your milt have an ID?
Photo's are always good