Miltassia orchids

Miltassia is an intergeneric hybrid genus representing crosses between Miltonia and Brassia. The nothogenus name combines elements of both parent genera, following the standard orchid convention for two-parent intergeneric hybrids. The RHS now registers these crosses as Bratonia (Brat.), so the same plants appear under both names; see Bratonia for listings filed under the current name. The crosses blend the round pansy-faced flowers of Miltonia with the long spidery petals and sepals characteristic of Brassia, producing hybrids that are larger, more vigorous, and often more patterned than either parent alone.

Miltassias inherit the warm-growing tendencies of tropical Miltonia (distinct from the cool Miltoniopsis) and the tolerance of Brassia, making them well-suited to average home conditions. Flowers are carried on arching spikes with four to eight blooms per spike, and plants can flower more than once a year when grown well.

General care for the genus (species, hybrids and cultivars vary, so check with the grower for a specific plant): intermediate to warm temperatures (nights 15 to 18 °C), bright indirect light (2,000 to 2,800 footcandles), regular watering during growth, drier between waterings once pseudobulbs mature, 50 to 70 percent humidity. Medium fir bark in small pots.

Notable hybrids include Charles M. Fitch, Cairns, and Aztec. Listings below come from the nurseries we index, most of them re-checked nightly; prices are shown in USD.