The genus comprises 11 epiphytic orchids 9 natural hybrids.
In trade, the abbreviation Milt. is used. Miltonia spectabilis is the type species.
Miltonia are easy to grow orchids that do just fine as a houseplant and bloom abundantly in spring or autumn.
Miltonia orchids are relatively medium, up to 50 cm high. Because they grow quickly, they form medium groups of plants.
The medium, ovoid pseudo-bulbs grow spaced on a rhizome. A medium number of roots grow along the rhizome, that are white, rather thin, usually unbranched and short.
From each pseudobulb grow one or two leaves.
The inflorescence consists of waxy flowers with no spur. The lip is broad and flat. It has two rigid pollinia. The flowers have a sweet and exotic perfume.
Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay
Miltonia is mainly found in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, in shady places in the forest to places with more sunshine, but never in full sun. Usually in ventilated places where they get a lot of moisture during the night and early morning.
Miltonia was named after Lord Fitzwilliam Milton, an English orchid enthusiast.
- Miltonia candida
- Miltonia clowesii
- Miltonia cuneata
- Miltonia flava
- Miltonia flavescens
- Miltonia kayasimae
- Miltonia moreliana
- Miltonia phymatochila
- Miltonia regnellii
- Miltonia russelliana
- Miltonia spectabilis