Question
Hello,

I live in Sacramento, CA, zone 9, and I have a problem with getting my Miltoniopsis to grow straight leaves. I did a little searching on the internet, and many of the websites say that this orchid produces that 揳ccordion-like?leaves when they don抰 get enough water, but I抦 watering it about twice a week and never letting the potting mix dry out. I also read that smaller pseudobulbs are produced as a result of underwatering.

This is my third year growing the orchid, and last year it grew rather small flowers compared to the flowers it had when I first purchased it. This year the flower buds don抰 look very big either. I was wondering if this has to do with the ugly leaves and small bulbs. Is there anything I can do to correct the situation?

Thanks.

Answer
Hello Brian,

Living in Sacramento, Ca., it can get pretty hot and dry in summer, conditions miltoniopsis do not like.  Accordian-like leaves can result from underwatering but also from overwatering that caused the roots to rot (no roots means no water uptake by the plant).  Either one can produce the problems you mentioned - stunted growth that do not fully mature.  

You've had it for three years, have you repotted it in that time?  You did not mention what type of potting media it is in but three plus years (how long it had been last repotted prior to your getting it is unknown) is a long time for most orchid media.  It should be growing new roots and bulbs now and that is the best time to repot it.  Before starting, gather the materials you will need such as potting media (small grade orchid bark, large size perlite [optional], new pot).  When you unpot it, clean off all old potting media from the roots, check for any soft mushy roots and remove any that are.  If there are few, if any, live firm roots left, place it in a large zip-lock bag with some moistened bark or perlite, close the bag and place it in a warm shady place.  Periodically check for new root growth and once they are over 2 inches long you can pot it up but use a small sized pot that will just barely contain the roots and plant.  Too large a pot for the amount of roots can lead to further problems with root rot due to the media not drying out sufficiently between waterings.  

Once repotted and there in Sacramento, grow it in bright but indirect sunlight, temperatures between 50F to 75F, humidity above 50% with some light air movement.  Keep it evenly moist year round, never allowing it to go completely dry but also not constantly wet by allowing the media to become barely moist between waterings.  

Lastly, there are several orchid clubs in the Sac'to area, if you would like information about them, write back and I'll send you the information.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.