Orchid flowers are available in so many different colours and forms.

It struck me that both of these Orchids had the look of Pansy flowers with the whiskery central colouring and petal formation.

Have the Pansy and Orchid genes got mix up somewhere in evolution? Not really but a gardener needs some imagination, to say nothing of perseverance, patience etc.

Miltoniopsis Species and Hybrids

• After noticing this I discovered that the Pansy Orchids are called Miltonia Orchids.
• They grow rapidly into specimens if they can enjoy warm conditions.
• Many hybrids have been bred over the years that are easy to grow and they will flower with the flat Pansy-like face
• A humid atmosphere is beneficial. Miltonias prefer to have their roots constantly damp, but never soggy .
• If the leaves have a pink tinge the plant is receiving the maximum amount of light. Red leaves are a sign of too much light and yellow too little.
•  Miltoniopsis are native to South America
• The fragrant flowers last about six weeks but do not last as well when cut.
• Water Miltonias  once a week, more often if the potting mix appears to be drying out.
• Fertilize with a dilute solution of balanced fertilizer about once every two months while the plants are growing.