Unknown orchid named "Brilliant"
 

Information supplied with a gift orchid states
"MO 209-B (D) Exotic Orchid 'Brilliant' Patent Process initiated; Milt. Breathless Brilliant." I hope someone can tell me what all this means, I'm a complete novice. What care instructions do I need? thank you.

"Milt" is the abbreviation for Miltonia. I looked up the hybrid that you posted, and got this:

http://www.tropicalgardensofmaui.com...breathless.jpg

However, I'm afraid I can't help you much with the culture; I've never grown miltonias/miltoniopsis. I'll let one of the other growers chime in and help you out with that. :)

NAME: Your flower/plant Milt. Breathless 'Brilliant' is a mericlone. A breeder crossed Miltonia Pink Lady with Miltonia Pearl Ono and named the resulting flower/plant Miltonia Breathless. The 'pick of the litter' from the seedlings was given a varietal name 'Brilliant' in quotation marks. Then plants are propagated by cloning and every plant will grow the same and bloom with the same flower as others with the same name. A Mericlone is a proven variety that has been cloned to retain its special & unique characteristics.

CARE: This is a very easy growing Miltonia with long arching sprays of red pansy flowers. This one with a striking "waterfall" face. Miltonias are native to brazil, and they grow best in warm humid conditions. Pot them in a medium grade orchid mix and protect them from direct light. Healthy leaves develop a slightly pinkish cast.
I would suggest after the flowers are spent that you remove the plant from its pot so you can see what the potting mix is and see the conditions of the roots. Many orchids are grown and sold as throw away flower bouquets. So the potting mix may be OK for showing off your flowers, but not good to grow and rebloom your orchid plant.
Even though they have pseudobulbs, miltonias will falter if they become too dry. If new leaves appear to be pleated, gradually increase watering until smooth leaves unfurl. You may also add some moistue-retentive sphagnum moss to the potting mix.
Water when the potting mix starts to dry out. Water by placing plant in sink and pouring water into pot. Pot must have drainage holes and allow excess water to drain away. Fertilize weekly with half-strength balanced fertilizer.

That's alot of info. Ask away with questions.

Charlie

Carl and Charlie--amazingly fast help. Just what I needed. Thank you both so much. Do orchids do better with bottled water or is tap water O.K.? Does this orchid need extra moisture in the environment, such as a tray of rocks with water?

Tap water is OK, IF you do not have a water softener.
Prefers warm humid conditions. Being an east coast guy, I don't know your house humidity this time of year - mine is low due to running central heating. I've read a tray of rocks with water does little to help humidity, especially of a single plant.
At this time, I would be more concerned with the potting mix. Many orchids are 'packed' in moss which can retain alot of water which will cause your plants roots to rot.
As an example, look what I found when checking these:

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ink-skirt.html

Charlie

I'm a novice, and thank you all so much for your comments and advice! I wonder- does anyone have advice for really dry conditions? I just received a Brilliant and I live in Arizona. With AC and our dry conditions, humidity is usually below 20%, especially indoors. I noticed Charlie mentioned the tray of rocks isn't particularly helpful. Is my only option to mist? If so, how often? Any other solutions? I feel badly, the few orchids I've had I've had little success with- I just have a tough time understanding how to make them happy. :( Any help would be appreciated!

Maybe a humidifier from the hardware store?

A humidifier is definately a good idea. I also had a problem with low humidity, maybe 20% to 30% in some areas in my house. I had no idea how bad it was until I actually measured my humidity. So I got a humidifier about 6 weeks ago, and I can definately see a difference in how my chids are growing. Nothing else has changed, but the humidity is now 50% to 60% depending on whether we have a fire in our insert; my chids are doing much better now. And, I think higher humidity is better for people as well.