These striking orchids, which are also known as pansy orchids, owing to their similarity to garden pansies, are enjoying increasing popularity. Miltoniopsis are cool-growing orchids that originate in the higher elevations of the Andes in Colombia, Panama and Ecuador. Their flowers can be brilliantly patterned.
Direct sunlight burns the thin leaves within a short period of time.
Unless temperatures are kept under 80 F, they may not flower. The warmer growers will take temperatures over 90 F as long as humidity levels of 70 to 75 percent, or higher, are maintained. In their native habitat, the plants are drenched almost daily and, because of this, they are intolerant of salt buildup, so leaching every fourth or fifth watering is important when growing in pots. When they are not getting enough water or humidity, the leaves have a tendency to grow with accordionlike pleats. They also tend to be slightly more tolerant of salt buildup than their Colombian cousins so they can dry more between waterings.