The world of orchids is rich and varied, offering a dizzying array of choices. One of my favorite orchids, Miltoniopsis, a pretty epiphytic or lithophytic orchid hailing from the higher elevations of Central and South America, may seem familiar to some gardeners. You would be right if you think the flowers remind you of pansies; this charming tropical is called the pansy orchid.
Miltoniopsis blooms profusely, with two to three spikes of large, fragrant blossoms that flower for one to two months in spring. In addition, well-nurtured specimens will often produce a second bloom a few months after the primary bloom season. The 3-inch-wide flowers are full and rounded in appearance, resembling a large velvety pansy. Pansy orchid flowers vary in color, with reds, purples, pinks and whites predominating. All show patterns in a second color, some in a rather pronounced fashion. Flowers are offset by lovely bluish-gray foliage.
Miltoniopsis orchids are intermediate climate orchids, meaning they prefer temperatures rarely above 80 degrees and not lower than 50 degrees. Although Miltonia and Miltoniopsis orchids are very similar, the distinction between the two can be seen in their pseudobulbs, with Miltoniopsis having single-leaved pseudobulbs while the Miltonias have two. Furthermore, Miltoniopsis pseudobulbs are tightly clustered while those of Miltonia are widely separated by a long rhizome.
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