Care of the indoor plant Miltoniopsis or Colombian Pansy Orchid |
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The genus Miltoniopsis, family Orchidaceae, includes 5 species of orchids native to Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela and Central America. The species of this genus are: Miltoniopsis bismarckii, Miltoniopsis warszewiczii, Miltoniopsis phalaenopsis, Miltoniopsis vexillaria, Miltoniopsis roezlii. Common name: Colombian Pansy Orchid. They are pseudobulb orchids with evergreen leaves 30 cm (11.8") long. The spectacular flowers appear solitary or in groups and are of very varied colors. They bloom at different times of the year and the flowers last a long time on the plant. They are used as indoor or greenhouse plants. They need high humidity (65-90%). Miltoniopsis needs a semi-shade exposure without ever directly receiving the sun's rays. It's advisable to rest in winter at 15 ºC (59 ºF). The soil can be a commercial orchid substrate or a mixture of equal parts pine bark and charcoal. Transplant, in late summer, every 2 years into a narrow pot. Water with lime-free water every day in summer and every 2-3 days in spring; reduce watering the rest of the year without the substrate drying out completely. They do not need pruning. Fertilize every 15 days in spring and summer with special fertilizer for orchids; in autumn and winter fertilize once a month. They are plants quite resistant to pests and diseases; they can lose the flowers if there is not good ventilation. The leaves can fold if they suffer from drought or overwatering. They propagate from the bulblets that the plant produces on the main bulb; they are sown in spring in a mixture of sand, peat and pine bark in equal parts. |
Images of the indoor plant Miltoniopsis or Colombian Pansy Orchid |
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