Miltonidium
At an orchid show several years ago, I spotted a neglected plant on a back table for only $3. Since it had a flower spike starting to grow, it seemed like a great bargain to me, and I bought it. The orchid was this beautiful Miltonidium, which has bloomed repeatedly for me, so I definitely consider it a smart investment.
This orchid is a hybrid, a human-made cross between a Miltonia and an Oncidium. Like all plant hybrids, it combines traits from both parents. With dozens of small, fragrant flowers, it also exemplifies “hybrid vigor.” The term hybrid vigor refers to the tendency of hybrid plants to be easy to grow and bloom, and also tough enough to survive difficult conditions. These characteristics make hybrids excellent choices for orchid beginners, since they are more forgiving of mistakes than species. Hybrids can also have larger, more frequent, and longer-lasting blooms.
This large spray of flowers may be a nice demonstration of hybrid vigor, but it also makes the orchid top-heavy and prone to tip over. I keep the plant within a heavy ceramic pot, and I’ve even tried to weigh it down with a rock on the flowerpot, but it can still topple. Even with some slightly bruised flowers, I couldn’t ask for a better bargain.
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July 7th, 2009 at 11:32 pm
I have the same problem with my flowerpots tipping over when there heavy with blooms. Thanks for the ideas to help!
August 9th, 2009 at 10:06 pm
great color flowers, and what a great bargain for $3.00
August 25th, 2009 at 1:46 am
I love that mustard yellow color.
November 12th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
That’s about 10x cheaper than our local stores sell orchids for. Maybe I need an orchid shopping trip to San Francisco!