Does anyone know what this is?

[figment01]

I am a newbie here; live in N FL & acquired this out of bloom end of 12/08---untagged, of course. What is it and any advice given would be greatly appreiciated.

[WhiteRabbit]

congrats on blooms!
its a miltassia - many look much a like so I don't know the name of yours - some others may have some ideas tho
It obviously likes how you have been growing it, so my advice would be keep doing the same

[dounoharm]

ditto the above....very nice job of growing and blooming!

[figment01]

Now I at least have a name to research. It does seem happy--only 4 blooms; is that typical? I have so many more questions now, but off I go to research.

THANKS BUNCHES

[orchidbingo]

Originally Posted by figment01

I am a newbie here; live in N FL & acquired this out of bloom end of 12/08---untagged, of course. What is it and any advice given would be greatly appreiciated.

Nice bloom!

I have Mtssa Charles Fitch 'Dark Monarch' and Mtssa. Dark Star 'Orchid Works' that look similar.
Here are some links that might help

bingo

The Orchid Works

P016 Mtssa. Charles M. Fitch 'Dark Monarch' AM/RHS

General Requirements Temperature 55-65 nights and 75-90 daysHumidity 50% - 80% Light 2,000 to 3,000 fcBalanced fertilizer (20-20-20) @ 100-150ppm of nitrogenReturn to Plug List | Next VarietyStar shaped, rich purple flowers with dark patterning. Mtssa. C.M. Fitch has a long record of being a winner. You can grow and flower it anywhere.

Aloha Orchid Nursery - Detail

Aloha Orchid Nursery - Detail

[figment01]

Thanks, Bingo ... it sure is a beauty too! Forgive my ignorance, but are you mentioning 2 varieties or are the names together as in a hybrid or something? I'e been successful with growing Orchids, but truly don't know much about them; except I've NEVER been able to grow a Palenopsis--go figure!

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by figment01

Thanks, Bingo ... it sure is a beauty too! Forgive my ignorance, but are you mentioning 2 varieties or are the names together as in a hybrid or something? I'e been successful with growing Orchids, but truly don't know much about them; except I've NEVER been able to grow a Palenopsis--go figure!

hehe - I can't grow phals either
My miltassia on the other hand is growing like a weed

[orchidbingo]

Originally Posted by figment01

Thanks, Bingo ... it sure is a beauty too! Forgive my ignorance, but are you mentioning 2 varieties or are the names together as in a hybrid or something? I'e been successful with growing Orchids, but truly don't know much about them; except I've NEVER been able to grow a Palenopsis--go figure!

Oh, the picture is from the OrchidWorks site. If you click on the link that says return to plug list it will bring you to their plant archive with lots of pictures.

Mtssa Charles M Fitch 'Dark Monarch' is one hybrid and Mtssa Dark Star 'Orchid Works' is a different one.
As you can see , they are very similar and I think Dark Star has Charles M Fitch as one of the parents.
There is another clone of Charles M Fitch-- Mtssa Charles M. Fitch 'Izumi' that is very similar.
You won't be able to positively ID your bloom from these but you can see they probably share parentage.

bingo

[figment01]

LOL ... Okay am a newbie, but since I've found you all and itching to buy an Orchid, with that said and my successes with Dens. & the Mitassia-any suggestions on what might be a good "next one" to be on the look-out for--keeping in mind I can't grow Phals. Love the Vanda's, but have never found one inexpensive. Thank you!!

[RenéeS]

How lucky you are! That's one beautiful flower . Here, Miltonia/cambria-type plants don't want to grow but Phals on the other hand grow like weeds! :P

Happy growing!