Miltassia Charles M. Fitch - ditch or not ditch

[Dallasgarden]

To keep or toss, that is the question. Okay, this is one of those orchids dropped off at my door several years ago and it's a constant source of frustration. It just seems to struggle in my care. I have mostly encyclias, cattleyas and dendrobiums. Most all my orchids are mounted or in lava rock because I tend to overwater...but this guy goes back and forth between not enough water (wrinkled new growth) or no roots. Has anyone had luck growing this in a hot, dry climate like Texas. Plant mix? Any recommendations or am I going against the laws of nature?

[Dallasgarden]

I just found an old post by Clint saying that these grow fine here. (Maybe this guy just doesn't like me.) I'm going to repot in spag and see if I can get some new growth.

By "this guy" I mean the plant.

[ischel1]

I have a Milt. Irene Fitch 'Izumi' growing well in NW fl.

[Orchidzrule]

By "this guy" I mean the plant.

LOL at your comment. If you have struggled with it for as long as you say, you might be better off getting rid of it. I love some of these Intergeneric Oncidiums, but they don't seem to like me.

I came to a reluctant conclusion to get rid of a few plants last year, and at least one has improved greatly under the care of its new owner.

Cheers,

Rob

[Tednz]

I like the whole group but some will not flower for me or else every two years, so I pass them to someone I hope will get them to do their thing.
Tednz

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Trade it for one that grows well for you. Can you really ever have too many orchids growing and blooming in your collection?

Cheers,
BD

[Dallasgarden]

Well, ya'll are giving me something to think about. I just carried about 6 of my cattleya to the sink and they all have lush new root growth just cramming off of the sides of the pot (even inside under lights!). Now, why do I insist on keeping this one that makes me unhappy every time I look at it!

[Ron-NY]

Some like challenges others don't; do what feels right for you.

[Cjcorner]

I did that a few months ago, thinnned out the plants that just weren't growing well here. It's alot more pleasant with plants that do well. But, then I kept one or two of my big catt's and now that they get more attention they are thriving!! lol Ah well, now i'm tempted to go get another big floofie. Either give the ones away that make you crazy or put them in a corner and give it the extra try. I feel for ya'....that particular plant is an eyepopper when it blooms like it should. The miltassia's like to get really dry in between waterings. I have my Miltassia in spag. and when they are light as air I water them again and set them next to a window slightly open and they grow like a weed here.
Good Luck
Connie