Easy Orchid Plants – Miltassia Cairns

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Blooming, Care and Culture, Classification, Growing Indoors

I define “easy” orchids as those that can be grown indoors in mild climates in homes that have the heating on during the daytime in winter.

Raised in 1991, this fabulous new variety has large, dominant flowers brightly patterned in contrasting rich red and mauve. It is a bigeneric hybrid combining Miltonia and Brassia. The former has contributed to the outstanding coloring, while the latter has narrowed and lengthened the petals and sepals, to give a starry shape. This winning combination is displayed in two to three flowers per spike, which stands well clear of the foliage. The blooms are produced in summer, when they will last for five weeks. The plant resembles an Odontoglossum but is larger and more robust, and two flower spikes per pseudobulb are usual. Grow M. Cairns in intermediate orchid conditions, where it will thrive in a shady position, but take care not to provide too much light as this will spoil the foliage.

Flower Size: 3 inches (8cm) across

Flower Spike: 14 inches (35cm)

Plant Height: 1 foot (30cm)

Pot Size: 8 inches (20cm)