Miltoniopsis orchids are epiphytic orchids native to South American countries such as Costa Rica, Panama, Peru, Venezuela, and Colombia. There are about five to seven different Miltoniopsis species. Common names include the Colombian-type Miltonia, the Pansy orchid, and the Colombian orchid. There are quite a few of these orchids at the Conservatory at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, Belmont, North Carolina.
Miltoniopsis vexillaria is a species of epiphytic orchid founded in isolated patches in the central mountain region of Colombia. It grows on the margins of mountain forests. The large, showy flowers may be pink, often with white margins on the segments, or they may be white, sometimes with a pink flush or pink stripes. Here are a few varieties at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, North Carolina.
The actual Miltonia orchid is a warm-growing flower, generally found in areas of Brazil. The flower we often think of as a Miltonia is actually a Miltoniopsis orchid found in the Andes’ cool mountain regions. These flowers are both often referred to as the “pansy orchid,” as the blooming face looks very similar to the pansy.
Miltoniopsis are commonly known as ‘pansy orchids’ because of the similarity of the flowers to pansies. The main difference between Miltonia and Miltoniopsis is their flower shape. Miltonia orchids have large, flat flowers with five petals and sepals that are usually an equal size. Miltoniopsis orchids have smaller, rounder flowers with five petals and sepals that are unequal in size. Various specimens of these orchids are on display at the Orchid Conservatory at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, North Carolina.
