Miltonia Martin Orenstein 'Firework' AP96
Distribution: hybrid
Flower size: 7~9 cm

My first Miltonia. The hot and humid climate in Taiwan may be the reason that this fantastic genus is not common in the market. I couldn't wait to get one when I settled in New York where Miltonia is popular and easy to grow as an indoor or window sill plant. I bought this one in spring 1998 from A New Leaf in Ithaca, New York. It was originally from Steward Orchid in California. I believed that I did see a tiny flower stalk just emerged from the leaf sheath when I bought it. However, it did not grow up after I brought it home. I repotted the plant after knowing it will not bloom that year. It grew nicely but still no sign of flowering in 1999. Finally it got two flower stalks in spring 2000 and totally nine flowers bloomed in April. As its name tells, the blooming is a nature slow motion firework show. The lips of newly opened flower has vivid blight color. As flower aging, more and more red pigments added in. Although it eventually looked somehow dull, it is interesting to watching the change.

Another interesting thing I found is that the flower lasts longer if the pollinia was removed. It seems not true on other orchids. However the one which pollinia was take off by accident did last one more week longer than other flowers.