The cool, orchids comprise a number of lovely kinds, some of which are suited to growing in a room where the winter night temperature drops to 50 degrees, or can be kept between 50-55 degrees (not over 55 F). You can choose between those that do well with moderate light, such as required for phalaenopsis, and those that must have bright light. Remember, however, that even kinds that are less light demanding deserve the best light you can give them. There is not quite as wide a choice in the cool group as in the intermediate and warm groups.
The kinds specifically suited to the 50-55 degrees F temperature range do not like winter temperatures above this level, but, like most other kinds of orchids, will take warmer summer nights. There is a fourth group which is so intolerant of heat that we might call them “cold” orchids. They require air-conditioned greenhouses in many parts of this country. These are chiefly the high-altitude odontoglossums, such as 0dontoglossum crispum and its hybrids, whose culture is tricky at best and which we will not take up for this reason.
The methods of handling the cool orchids in an orchid case are: careful ventilation to prevent constant saturation of the air and the building up of heat; shading against the heat of the sun at its peak; and attention to proper night temperatures.
These Grow Cool
The plain-leaved cypripediums, such as Cypripedium insigne and its hybrids, are good subjects for the cool case, and many growers do well with them in a cool window. If the lists of dealers do not specify which of these are cool growing and which warm, better ask before buying.
Miltonias are not as widely grown as cypripediums, but a number of indoor growers have had success with them, and where cool conditions are possible they are certainly worth trying. They make good companions for the cool Gyps, since their light requirements are about the same. They are botanically related to odontoglossum and oncidium, and come from the cool altitudes of the South American rain forests. They are pretty plants, with somewhat flattened pseudobulbs and slender leaves. Their nickname, “pansy orchid,” describes the character of their flat, gently rounded flowers.
The chief problem is to keep them cool enough in areas with hot summers. The cypripediums are more tolerant of summer heat than miltonias, If you live in a warm climate, we would not advise Miltonias for your first orchids, for they require an experienced hand where conditions are not ideal.
They should be shaded sufficiently from the sun at its peak so as not to have great heat, yet they must have enough light to mature their growths well. An east exposure is perhaps best, where they can receive good light during the morning hours before the day becomes hot. They should be given good light through the winter.
Miltonia is grown in this country in the soft, brown osmunda fiber, fir bark and other orchid growing media. Some growers pot them like the golden pothos every year, in pots large enough to accommodate the year’s growth. Other growers pot them every two years. They should be potted when new growth starts in the spring, but do not tolerate being shifted in hot weather. If new growth has not started by April, you have a choice of potting them in anticipation of new growth, or waiting until early fall. It would seem, since our fall weather is often quite warm, that potting in the spring is preferable. About one-third of the pot should be filled with crock for drainage. The fiber should be firm, and some growers like to have it convex on the surface to insure aeration at the base of the plant.
Miltonias should be watered frequently enough to keep the fiber damp, with the usual care not to produce a soggy condition. During their growing season they benefit from applications of fertilizer, as suggested for both cypripediums and phalaenopsis.
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