The Miltonia genus was named in 1837, in honor of Charles Wentworth-FitzWilliam, 5th Earl FitzWilliam, Viscount Milton (1786-1857), three times President of the Royal Statistical Society (1838-40, 1847-49 and 1853-55).

    You will find many books and hobbist that still refer to the Miltoniopsis species as Miltonias. The Miltoniopsis orchids are a favorite of many orchid hobbyist, because they produce some of the most fascinating and colorful blooms in nature.
   The flowers are rounded, flat and come in an array of colors like the common garden pansies. The centers of the blooms which are called the "mask" are the center of attention. Many blooms have a waterfall effect made from small dots and bars and others have faces like cartoon characters.
   The blooms are borne on small spikes and are often very large compared to the plant. As cut flowers the blooms do not last long but on the plant they can last up to 60 days.
   The leaves are sword-shaped and are light green in color, which make this a very pretty plant. The blooms come in colors of creams, purples, pinks, and browns.
   I have always preferred to purchase my Miltonias and Miltoniopsis in bloom because of the array of differences that can be found in the blooms. When I cannot purchase the orchid in bloom I try and see a photograph.
   I love the types displaying beautiful "waterfall" patterned flowers.

   This may be confusing because the temperature range is about the same for both types. Both groups like a temperature range of 55-60 °F (13-16 °C) at night and up to 80 °F (27 °C) during the day and they require the lower night time temperature to promote blooming.
   In reality, the greatest difference between the two groups is the different light requirement. The Brazilian types prefer 1500-3000 foot candles of light and the Colombian types require 1000-1500 foot candles of diffused light.
   If you observe the leaves, the orchid will tell you when the light is just right. Dark green leaves mean you need to increase your lighting. Yellow leaves mean you need to decrease your light.

   If the leaves have a slight pink tinge, that indicates the plant is receiving the maximum amount of light. Red leaves are a sure sign of too much light.
   Both groups do very well in a cool basement grown under lights. Both groups also like to be kept moist so do not let them dry out (If they do not receive enough water the new leaves crinkle like an accordion).
     Although the Pansy Orchids may be a little more difficult to grow, if you buy well established healthy plants and you can provide the necessary temperature and lighting requirements you can discover the joys of having a Pansy orchid growing in your home or greenhouse.