Spotted Zygopetalum

Spotted Zygopetalum Care

Zygopetalum

What is the plant

Zygopetalum, is from the Greek zygon, yoke, petalon, petal or sepal; referring to the ‘holding together’ of the flower segments by the callus, It is a New World genus mostly distributed through tropical South America.

The Zygopetalum orchid genus is very small and only contains 15 recognized species. Even though the number of species is small, there are an abundant number of Zygopetalum hybrids. Zygopetalums are very fragrant orchids and their fragrance can often fill an entire room. Zygopetalum orchids produce beautiful waxy-looking blooms. The blooms are usually green and brown striped or speckled, with a broad white velvety lip marked with purple, indigo, maroon, or fuchsia. The leaves are long, glossy, and strap-like. Zygopetalum foliage can grow to be nearly two feet tall and the inflorescence, which develops from the base of the pseudobulb, will usually grow even taller than the leaves.

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Humidity

High

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

10°C - 15°C

Difficulty

Medium

How to Care for the Plant

Water
It is very important to not let Zygopetalum orchids dry out completely between waterings. While the orchid is in active growth, during the warmer months, you will want to water more frequently, and less frequently in the cooler months when the orchid is not in active growth.
Fertilizer
The genus is not fussy about feed ratios so any slow release or liquid feed is suitable. A liquid 20-20-20 formulation at half label recommendation year round has proven to work well. Avoid feeding with high nitrogen levels as this can make the foliage brittle and stretched.
Sunlight
Zygopetalums need bright but indirect light intensity in order to thrive. The best place to grow you Zygopetalum orchid indoors in on a shaded south facing window although an east facing windowsill will also work as long as the orchid doesn’t receive direct sunlight.

Disease diagnosis

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Soil
Any medium that is free draining such as a mixture of coconut chip, bark and perlite will work well.
Temperature
Zygopetalums require cool to intermediate range temperatures. The ideal daytime temperatures to grow your Zygopetalum orchid is between 70°F to 80°F (21.1°C to 26.6°C), and night temperatures are between 50°F and 60°F (10°C to 15.6°C).
Container
Use a container with enough drainage holes.