Miltonia phymatochila

Also known as: Phymatochilum brasiliense Oncidium phymatochilum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Chiapas - Mexico Pernambuco - Brazil

General Information

Miltonia phymatochila is a sympodial cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Mexico and Brazil.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 30-48cm. Each new growth has a single leathery elliptic, lance shaped leaf that grows to 3.8-35cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 5-12.5cm

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear during Spring

Blooming Season

• Spring

Care Notes

These orchids have a fine root system that can quickly die back if left dry for too long, but also does not like to be kept wet, so water regularly but ensure that the mix is dry before watering. 

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 38mm to 239mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 73% to 83%, highest in August and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 11C to 25C, highest in August (17C to 25C) and lowest in January (11C to 18C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a wet-dry cycle between waterings, they should be watered frequently but only when the moisture is approaching dryness, where the pot feels light and/or the media looks dry. Keep an eye on mounted orchids in warm weather as they may dehydrate quickly.

Potting

These plants are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow. 

Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.

Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during hot weather,

This plant does well mounted.