Question
Hi Jim,

I have some some success getting my phals and oncidiums to thrive and flower, and recently bought a miltonia plant because it was so darned pretty (it's one of those red ones with a batik splash in the middle).
I repotted the plant a few days after, as I don't really like them constantly bombarded with the remnants of commercial fertilizer and the plant was reeking of it.
It survived the car ride home when the temperature averaged about 10 degrees outside, but as soon as I repotted it, all 5-6 flowers started wilting, and the the smallest leaves further away from the bulb started browning. The single bulb still seems fleshy and ok, and the other leaves seem alright, so I'm assuming the plant in general is ok.
However, I'm a bit concerned. I've repotted several oncidium plants shortly after purchase with no problems, so I wonder if I've done anything very wrong with the miltonia :p.
How can I get it healthy and thriving again? I live in Uppsala, Sweden, and it's been an unusually warm winter here.

Thanks in advance for your help, I really enjoy reading your Q&As.

Cheers,
Marlina


Answer
Hi Marlina,

Brrrrr, 10 degrees!!!!  Even in celcius degrees that is on cold side.  (grin)  

While I am not certain, it may be that the exposure to the cold going from the store to your car and then from the car to your home caused the miltonia to be shocked.  Most orchids do not like sudden changes in temperature greater than 7C.  

I doubt repotting it caused the problem unless you repotted it in the cold outdoors.  Then again, if your potting mix was outside and you used it without allowing it to warm up, that could possibly have caused some additional shock to the roots.  

Keep an eye on it for a few months to see if the condition worsens or improves, hopefully it improves.  If not, write back and I'll explore some things you can try.  

Had to look up Uppsala, you are just north of Stockholm, Sweden.  I met some of your countrymen about 30 years ago when they were here to learn about a project I was working on.  They spoke Swenglish.  (grin)  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.