Pansy Orchids and Spectacular Waterfalls
Pansy Orchids, or Miltoniopsis, have brilliant colors, sweet scents, and delightful waterfalls. This popular genus resembles pansies, and features pink, yellow, red, purple, or white blooms. Colorful patterns on their flower lips appear to flow downwards, and are called waterfalls.
There’s lots of confusion between Miltoniopsis and Miltonia. Miltonias are a closely related genus, requiring warmer temps, less water, and brighter light. Miltoniopsis were called Miltonias until the 1970’s, and many hybrids have their old names. They’re often mistaken for Miltonias, and sometimes mislabeled. There are almost certainly old mislabeled photos on this website, although I hope I’ve learned better, and get them right nowadays.
Pansy Orchids are native to high elevations in the Andes and mountains of Central America. They need regular water, high humidity, and bright light, but no direct sun. Always keep them below 80°F (26.7°C,) with cooler nights down to 55°F (12.8°C.) They sulk in hot weather. Water less during winter dormancy, but maintain good humidity and air movement. Their thin leaves are notorious for wrinkling if they don’t get enough water. Looking like accordion folds or fan pleats, they don’t straighten out, even after watering is fixed. Underwatering may be the cause, but overwatering can make orchid roots rot. This ruins the plant’s ability to take up moisture, resulting in the same wrinkled leaves as underwatering.
Colorful drops and splashes create Pansy Orchid waterfalls. Their patterns may be symmetrical or irregular, setting yellow and white hues against bold purples and pinks. They’re spectacular orchid artistry.
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