My second try at Miltoniopsis

[orchidsarefun]

Originally Posted by silken

I don't know what else you are using the heat mats for but the Milts certainly don't need them. How close are they to lights? Their leaves are normally a greyish green and I find they can take a lot more light than I seem to read as recommendation. But nothing like cattleya lights. That would be too much. I wouldn't leave them sitting in water unless you have a S/H setup. They like to be evenly moist but not soaking wet. They should never dry out. Yours are lovely!

agree with you on the lighting - people should experiment on the level, especially if its artificial lights. I have also read no sun, but mine do well in dappled sun - or with 50% aluminet shadecloth.

[greenpassion]

Originally Posted by orchidsarefun

I believe these are miltoniopsis - well at least according to OrchidWiz. Be aware that true miltonias have different cultural requirements to miltoniopsis.

How do the cultural requirements differ?

[greenpassion]

Silken, I have them about 2ft from the lights. I have the heat mat underneath a mirror that is the size of the glass sheet that serves as a 'table'. I use the mirror to enhance the light. I have 5 phals, oncidium 'Twinkle', another inter generic oncidium (just bloomed for me) all growing together. All except these newbies are in S/H. I really have no room for window sill culture. So you think if I turn off the heat mat the others will be OK? Don't know if I mentioned earlier that it's staying between 70-75 during the day inside, and at night, it pretty much stays between 60-65.

[orchidsarefun]

Originally Posted by greenpassion

How do the cultural requirements differ?

see link -

Miltonia Orchid Care

I would also recommend you join a local Orchid Society so that you can meet local growers and discuss your issues with them. Face-to-face is always better !

[silken]

I don't grow S/H so I don't know if the heat is beneficial to your orchids in S/H. I know if its too cool the roots might rot easier. Those temps should be good for Milts and the diurnal range might be helpful. It depends on what type of lights you have but if the Milts aren't burning and look the right colour, than I think they are fine. Orchid wiz often suggests fairly high light fir these compared to other places where I read fairly low light. I think your chances of blooming them is better with more light. The flowers you have might last longer away from the light at the moment tho.

[greenpassion]

Originally Posted by orchidsarefun

see link -

Miltonia Orchid Care

I would also recommend you join a local Orchid Society so that you can meet local growers and discuss your issues with them. Face-to-face is always better !

Thank you Orchidsarefun. I had just found that web page probably moments before you sent me that link. I don't think there are any orchid societies around here but I'll check into more.

[greenpassion]

Silken, I had thought you did grow in S/H. ?? As far as how they're doing that close to the lights, I only received them 2 days ago, so I don't know either! I use the bulbs from Orchid Web, the natural white chip tech bulbs, and it seems ok so far....

[fishmommy]

Believe it or not, I grow my Miltoniopsis and Miltonia next to each other and they do fine.

[greenpassion]

Originally Posted by fishmommy

Believe it or not, I grow my Miltoniopsis and Miltonia next to each other and they do fine.

Can you expound on that a little for me?

[orchidsarefun]

Originally Posted by fishmommy

Believe it or not, I grow my Miltoniopsis and Miltonia next to each other and they do fine.

I believe its the max temp that noticeably stalls the mtps......I have to grow them on in an air-conditioned room that doesn't go above 75f. But that's Chicago weather - I don't know if you get similar highs in the North-East. If you do, then good luck ! You will have to tell us say in Sept if everything worked out....

I suppose with my temps and care I could grow miltonias. Just can't find any !