Question
We have a Miltoniosis that we bought from a reputable nursery in late May or early June. It had beautiful flowers, and developed several more blossoms after we brought it home. After it quit flowering, I repotted it, as the roots were spilling over the edges of teh plastic pot it was in. That was several weeks ago. In the past week or so, the leaves have started to droop. The plant is kept indoors away from direct sunlight. The temperature is between 74 and 77 degrees, and the humidity is typically about 45%. I water it every two - three days, allowing the medium to become slightly dry. What may be causing at least part of the problem is that the only place we can put it where it can get bright, indirect sunlight is near an AC vent. Can you offer some suggestions that will allow me to restore this orchid to its proper condition?

Thanks,
Bob

Answer
Bob, you chose an irrestibly beautiful, difficult to grow orchid. Over the years I have had dozens of these and am down to just a couple.  These grow exceptionally well in the Santa Barbara area and I have consulted with a grower there. He said the trick is to grow them at night with a relative humidity of about 80 percent.  I have heard of a woman in the Atlanta area who grew and flowered her Miltoniopsis well by the AC vent.  They like to grow tightly potted.  Sounds like your temperature is OK so concentrate on increasing the relative humidity in the vicinity of the plant.