| Are pansies orchids?
Pansy orchids are the beautiful Miltonias and Miltoniopsis. Even though they are a little harder to grow than some orchids such as the Cattleyas and Phalaenopsis, you will be rewarded with some of the most beautiful blooms you have ever seen.
Miltoniopsis was placed in its own genus in 1889. 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 Miltonias have star-shaped blooms and many have spots and bars. Many species have long flower spikes. The flowers can be quite striking as they open along the spikes. 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 with the beautiful "waterfall."  | 
10-14-2005, 12:01 PM
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