Miltoniopsis is stunning and moderate to difficult to care for. This houseplant is popular in the community of plant collectors because of its distinctive appearance and feel.
In this post, we’ll help you keep your Miltoniopsis healthy and happy! Continue reading to learn more about this Miltoniopsis’s exciting attributes and some common pitfalls to avoid.
Table of Contents
What Is Miltoniopsis?
The Miltoniopsis is a perennial from the Orchidaceae family. It is characterized by bright green linear leaves and prized for its dainty flowers.
Also known as Pansy Orchids, Miltoniopsis Orchids, and Colombian Orchids, the Miltoniopsis grows well near an east or west-facing window as a houseplant.
Its sister, Miltonia, is often mistaken for this Miltoniopsis, not only because their names sound alike but also because they came from almost the same regions of the world. However, they do not look alike, which makes it easier to distinguish between the different species.
Miltonias have two leaves on either side of their pseudobulbs, whereas Miltoniopsis has only one. And speaking of pseudobulbs, Miltonias are more rounded and farther apart, unlike Miltoniopsis, which are rounder and flatter that tend to cluster tightly.
As for flowers, they produce some of the most striking blooms in the orchid world. Miltoniopsis flowers are showier and more prominent, while Miltonias’ are more slender.
Their care requirements also differ slightly. Miltonias are known to be the warmer-growing species, with Miltoniopsis as the cooler temp-loving beauty. Nevertheless, these plants are worth the attention and care you can give them.
While most of this article is about indoor growing requirements, you can keep this Miltoniopsis plant outdoors in hardiness zones 11-12 but ensure that it receives the right amount of light, temperature, and humidity.
Origin And Family
The Pansy Orchid belongs to the Miltoniopsis genus in the Orchidaceae family. It comes from Colombia, Panama, and Ecuador’s rainforests.
It used to be a popular plant, but given its reputation of being difficult to grow, it has dropped off most plant lovers’ favorite lists. It’s not a hard orchid to grow, essentially. They just have defined growing conditions that, when met, will reward you with beautiful and fragrant flowers in one to two months a year.
Sources said that John Lindley described the Miltonia orchids in 1837 from a Brazil sample and established the genus Miltonia. In 1889, Godefroy-Lebeuf, as more orchid species were discovered from Brazil’s neighboring countries like Colombia and Costa Rica, recognized some structurally different varieties from Miltonias, thus establishing the genus Miltoniopsis.
Where To Buy
You may start looking for Miltoniopsis for sale at nurseries or gardening stores, but online options are far cheaper. When it comes to purchasing houseplants, Etsy is a platform that we recommend! They generally include a large variety of plants cultivated and sold by fellow enthusiasts who are glad to answer your plant care queries.
In terms of pricing, the Miltoniopsis is fairly affordable on average, costing between $30 to $40.
Miltoniopsis Plant Size
When grown as a houseplant, the Miltoniopsis grows to a height of 6-8 inches and spreads to a width of the same length. It grows slow and flourishes when placed near an east or west-facing window.
Miltoniopsis Care Needs
Though Miltoniopsis is not a complex plant to care for, growing it to its maximum growth requires certain conditions. The Miltoniopsis, with its dainty flowers, loves humidity and needs evenly moist soil to thrive.
Water your Miltoniopsis about 2-3 times a week or when you notice the root’s green bean color turn silvery-white. To properly hydrate the soil, make sure your pot has good drainage. Do not be afraid to drench the soil during watering schedules thoroughly. As for the light requirements, this lovely plant will do best in low light.
Learn about your plant’s more specific and in-depth care needs below!
Care Difficulty
The Miltoniopsis Orchids are typically considered moderate to difficult to care for in most circles. The primary considerations for growing conditions are cooler temperatures, good humidity, light levels, and enough water.
Miltoniopsis pansy orchid for you this morning ❤️
— Tali (@talius) April 28, 2021
Have a marvelous Wednesday 😄 pic.twitter.com/m0qGMxP77G
Growth Rate
The Colombian Orchid reaches a height of 6-8 inches when grown inside a home. This plant will usually grow more actively during spring.
Most Miltoniopsis species, including the Miltoniopsis, are known to grow at a slow pace.
Potting
This Miltoniopsis plant wants good drainage, and a medium-sized orchid pot works fine.
With its need to be watered about 2-3 times a week or when you notice the root’s green bean color turn silvery-white, drainage holes are a must for Pansy Orchids.
Repotting
Miltoniopsis are finicky plants that can’t tolerate decomposing or decaying medium, so it’s recommended to repot once or twice a year after they bloom. However, if the repotting season is done, do not attempt to transfer it, mainly if its new roots have already settled into the old medium. It won’t adjust well if repotted after its growing season.
When repotting, it’s good to use a fresh medium of the orchid potting mix, which is the ideal growing medium for your Miltoniopsis. Ensure there are drainage holes to drain excess water.
Soil
The Miltoniopsis Orchids are moderate-to-difficult to care for plants that need Orchid potting soil to stay healthy. If you plan to prepare your soil mix, we recommend adding some orchid bark, sphagnum moss, charcoal, and perlite.
Your Miltoniopsis will appreciate the soil being kept evenly moist at all times. Nonetheless, drainage and aeration are essential requirements for all soil types.
Here are some potting mixes we recommend:
| Photo | Title | Price | Buy |
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Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix 6 qt., Grows beautiful Houseplants, 2-Pack | $14.16 ($0.04 / Ounce) |
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Burpee, 9 Quarts | Premium Organic Potting Natural Soil Mix Food Ideal for Container Garden-Vegetable, Flower & Herb Use for Indoor Outdoor Plant | $12.99 |
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Sun Gro Horticulture 8-Quart Black Gold 1310102 Purpose Potting Soil With Control, Brown/A | $13.99 ($0.05 / Fl Oz) |
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Miracle-Gro Potting Mix | $37.20 |
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FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil Mix Indoor Outdoor for Garden and Plants | Plant Fertilizer | 12 Quarts | The Hydroponic City Stake | $23.99 ($0.06 / Fl Oz) |
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Water
Pansy Orchids is a humidity-loving plant that needs evenly moist soil throughout the year. In its natural habitat, this plant gets drenched almost every day.
During the spring, drench with enough water about 2-3 times a week or when you notice the roots’ green bean color turn silvery-white. When they are not getting the right water or humidity, their linear leaves tend to grow with accordion-like pleats. Drench the soil until water seeps out of the orchid pot’s bottom hole. If you’re using a collecting tray, empty it often to avoid root rot and other infections.
We recommend watering this plant in the early morning to let the leaves dry and avoid overnight bacterial growth. This delicate beauty prefers water with low alkalinity. So if possible, drench this plant with rainwater or distilled water.
In the winter months, you won’t need too much water. Continue to water your plants deeply but do it less frequently.
Light
Coming from the rainforests of Colombia, Panama, and Ecuador, this plant is used to receive low light.
If the light is too bright, its thin leaves will get a slight pinkish tinge and may scorch almost immediately. Immediately, move your plant away from the light source or use curtains and blinds to filter the light coming in.
On the other hand, if your Miltoniopsis is only getting low levels of light for long periods, its leaves will turn a darker green, which is unhealthy for these plants. In this case, place your plant closer to a window with good light.
We discovered that these plants grow well under low light conditions (about 1500-2000 foot candles). Essentially, it won’t produce a shadow when you pass or hover your hand over the leaves.
You can supplement it with grow lights, and LEDs are the best option for Miltoniopsis. We recommend the following artificial light products:
Fertilizer
Plants, like people, need more food when they are actively growing because they are using up a lot of their energy. For the Miltoniopsis Orchids, this growth spurt usually happens in spring. During this time, you can apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every week.
In the winter, you fertilize less because plants’ roots usually go dormant in the cold. This means they won’t need extra food for growth.
Propagating Miltoniopsis
The Miltoniopsis can be propagated from the comfort of your home. Here are the steps for making more of this elegant plant.
Division
Colombian Orchid may be reproduced using a procedure known as division. While this approach is commonly used for plants with various bulbs, tubers, stolons, rhizomes, and suckers, it may also be performed for houseplants with clumping stems.
1. Dig up. Remove the plant from its container. When working with plants and soil, wear gardening gloves at all times.
2. Separate. You should be able to find where the fine roots and stems are divided on their own. Pull them apart gently with your fingertips, then cut the roots where the parts meet.
3. Repot. Place each portion in fresh pots filled with the same soil as before.
Humidity And Aeration
Miltoniopsis is an elegant plant that loves high humidity. Keep the humidity levels between 70%-75% at all times.
Use a simple hygrometer to check the air moisture level in your Miltoniopsis area. If the reading is too low, you can improve the humidity through the following methods:
• Plants release moisture from their leaves through the process of transpiration, so they’ll benefit from each other if you keep houseplants closely together.
• Place a pebble tray and water or a humidity tray underneath your plant’s pot. The evaporating water provides some nourishment to the plant.
• Purchase a humidifier for your plants. This will constantly release steam and raise the humidity in a room.
Here's a gorgeous Miltoniopsis Herr Alexandre in bloom for #houseplanthour pic.twitter.com/Wecz92asn3
— Kev's Orchids 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ (@kevsOrchids) January 4, 2022
Temperature
The ideal day temperature for your Colombian Orchid is between 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit and a night temperature of 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit. This gorgeous houseplant will appreciate being kept in cool locations with good air movement and relative humidity.
More notably, ensure you avoid any sudden spikes or drops in temperatures. Make sure you do not use cold or hot water to water your Colombian Orchid so its roots won’t go into shock.
Flowers
Typically, most plants will bloom only when exposed to the natural elements. Nonetheless, your Pansy Orchids can still produce showy flowers in burgundy, lavender, pink, yellow, and white mostly in spring, some giving a second bloom in the fall. Each inflorescence carries about three inches wide flowers, 5-7 flat blooms at a time during its flowering period.
Non-Toxic
Miltoniopsis Orchids won’t poison children and pets. ASPCA states that ingesting it will not hurt dogs or cats, and there are no toxic components in the plant.
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Pests, Diseases, And Other Problems
Is your Miltoniopsis looking ill? Most people believe that this is not a plant that is resistant to pests, diseases, and other widespread issues.
In the next sections, I’ve provided the common issues that affect this elegant plant. Use these suggestions to help diagnose and treat your Miltoniopsis.
Fungus Gnats
Fungus gnats are minute insects that feed on organic matter in soil and other growing media. Their larvae eat soil fungi, organic materials, and roots – which is detrimental for your Pansy Orchids.
If you see these grayish-black bugs, you should start reducing your watering schedules (not enough to harm the plant, but enough to let the topsoil dry in between waterings to dissuade adult gnats from laying eggs).
Hydrogen peroxide kills fungus gnat larvae on contact. Spray your topsoil with four-part water and one-part hydrogen peroxide solution.
White Flies
Whiteflies, which are related to mealybugs, scales, and aphids, can be identified by a cloud of white flakes rising into the air when disturbed.
Their larvae will feed on the sap of your Pansy Orchids, severely damaging the leaves. Whiteflies have a moth-like appearance, a triangular form, and a gray-white tint.
Once the infestation is severe, apply an insecticidal soap (or make your own by mixing one tablespoon of Castile soap to 1 quart of water). The soap will suffocate the eggs, larvae, and adults. To avoid burn, apply when the day is at its coolest and repeat as necessary.
Miltoniopsis Princess Diana has put on a great show, I'm really pleased. pic.twitter.com/OEpeCdV9X1
— Kev's Orchids 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ (@kevsOrchids) March 25, 2022
Scale Insects
Scales are insects that eat plant sap, and what differentiates them from other bugs is that the mature scale will attach onto one portion of the plant and remain there. Armoured scales are brownish lumps that can grow on a plant’s stems or petioles.
As a precautionary measure, dilute a teaspoon of neem oil in 500 mL of water and use it as a spray for your plant’s leaves to discourage scales from latching onto your Miltoniopsis.
Releasing ladybugs or lacewings near your infected plant and let these beneficial bugs take care of the problem for you!
Mealybugs
Mealybugs may infest your Colombian Orchid. These tiny parasites weaken your plant by sucking on the sap. The honeydew that they secrete can also invite fungal diseases.
Mealybugs are visibly oval bugs that appear as cottony masses on all parts of plants. They will either stay immobile or crawl slowly.
To fight against a mealybug invasion, take a cotton swab, soak it in rubbing alcohol, and rub it over the linear-shaped leaves or any affected areas of the pant. I also suggest using neem oil mixed with water as a preventive spray.
Brown Leaf Tips
Browning edges on the leaves of your Pansy Orchids can be triggered by many factors. Lack of humidity, prolonged exposure to bright light, salt and mineral buildup from chemically treated tap water, and fertilizer burn are all possible causes.
Drooping Leaves
Mealybugs and other pests that infest the Miltoniopsis can cause leaves to droop. This problem can also be brought about by underwatering, lack of humidity, and lack of nutrients.
Yellow Leaves
At times, you may see yellow leaves on your Miltoniopsis Orchids, which can signify trouble. Moisture stress, inadequate lighting, nutritional imbalance, variable temperatures, insect infestations, bacterial or viral infections, and other factors all contribute to this problem.
Consider any recent changes in the weather or how you care for your plant to narrow down the problem.
Root Rot
Root rot in Colombian Orchid is often caused by overwatering. Extreme moisture will either drown your plant or invite fungal infections that will devastate the roots.
Keeping your Miltoniopsis healthy requires determining the proper quantity of hydration. Instead of regulating the quantity of water you pour on your plant for fear of drowning the roots, simply provide a substrate that will drain and dry quickly. Mix in some chunky yet light components like perlite, river sand, pumice, bark, coco cubes, coal, and many more to your commercial potting soil.
Of course, you must also ensure that your planter contains holes for water drainage. Using porous pots made of terracotta or unglazed earthenware might also help the soil dry faster.
Conclusion
If you’re searching for a stunning houseplant, the Miltoniopsis is a great option. Simply follow the advice we’ve shared above, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving your plant’s full growth potential!
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