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| Origin
of the Miltonia |
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Since the flowers resemble a Pansy, it is also known as “The
Pansy Orchid”. The country of origin is Colombia. It grows
there on the river banks. The wild Miltonia species are hybrids
and these hybrids are selected for further multiplication based
on durability, form and colour. Miltonia’s come in many
colours, some have interesting "disguises" or "waterfalls"
marked in the heart of the flower. There are many different
fragrant sorts.
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| Care
of the Miltonia |
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If
the orchid has blossomed, trim the stem above the first eye.
The Miltonia should be kept at room temperature until a new
shoot develops, when the new shoot is about 5 cm long, place
the plant for 8 weeks in a cool place at 14 - 15 degrees. After
the 8-week period place the plant again at room temperature
and if all goes well a new stem will be formed after 3 months.
It is important to use pesticide when caring for Miltonia's.
If they don’t get enough plant food, they burn faster
and the leaf will grow less than it should. Miltonia's have
smaller, more fragile leaves; for this reason sufficient ventilation
is needed, also between the leaves. They like half-light, for
example behind a curtain in front of the window. Miltonia’s
must not be allowed to dehydrate. If this happens then the new
leaf grows with creases. Miltonia’s like a night time
temperature of 10 - 18 degrees, and 18 - 27 degrees during the
day. Finally they like to be re-potted every year.
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