Bratonia (x Bratonia) are an intergeneric hybrid between Brassia and Miltonia orchid species. Sometimes labelled incorrectly as x Miltassia.
Long lasting flowers and some amazing colours make this an orchid group well worth seeking out. Hybrids like these differ around the world as this really is an area for real orchid enthusiasts. If you can find them, you will fall in love with these easy care orchids.
Both Brassia and Miltonia are from South America and were discovered in the 1800s.
Brassia have a spidery flower, they grow at reasonably elevations, so they cope with cooler climates.
Miltonias are from Brazil, and like a little more warmth and humidity than Brassia.
Flowering is from spring to summer depending on climate and the actual hybrid.
How to grow Bratonia
As these are hybrids, and they take different characteristics from the parents, this is general information, as different hybrids can behave differently.’
- Light
Morning dappled shade, or filtered light. Never full sun. - Watering
Grow these orchids indoors, or in frost free zones, outdoors but undercover.
Water sparingly, usually in the morning and avoid watering the foliage to prevent fungal diseases.
Mist spray in summer to help raise humidity. Cut back on water in winter, especially in colder areas.
Keep moist however let the potting mix dry a little between waterings. - Potting
Best in a terracotta pot and best repotted in early spring.
Use a free drying orchid potting mix or make your own using bark/charcoal/perlite and sphagnum moss. - Fertilizer
Fertilize in early spring into summer and again in late summer with a slow release orchid fertiliser. Use a liquid fertiliser every few weeks from spring through summer
Bratonia (Miltassia) Varieties Include
- Bratonia (Miltassia) Lavender Kiss ‘Lavender Taffy’
- Bratonia – ‘Purple Dragon Spitfire’
- Shelob Tolkien
- Charles M. Fitch ‘Izumi’
