Zygopetalum Orchids

KEY FEATURES

ZYGOPETALUM ORCHIDS

The Zygopetalum orchid is a genus of twenty species native to Central America. They are exotic new world orchids that grow in a cool rainforest environment. These flowers are fragrant with spots and stripes of purple, green, and brown.

ZYGOPETALUM ORCHID CARE

LIGHT

Zygopetalum orchids need to be placed in bright, filtered light. Make sure they aren’t placed in full sun as that will burn the plant. Dark green leaves indicate that it’s not getting enough light.

WATERING

Zygopetalum orchids need water at least once a week, more often in warmer weather and less in the winter. Never allow the plant to stand in water because this will cause the roots to rot.

TEMPERATURE

Zygopetalum orchids prefer cooler temperatures but above 45 degrees. It may be kept outside as long as there is no chance of frost or scorching days.

FERTILIZER

Feed Zygopetalum orchids every two weeks with a high nitrogen fertilizer from January to July. Use a low nitrogen fertilizer every two weeks from August to December.

POTTING ZYGOPETALUM ORCHIDS

When Zygopetalum orchids are potted, make sure to plant them loosely to allow for good drainage and airflow around the roots. Always make sure the newest growth is touching or slightly below the top of the medium. Repotting should be done when new growth is showing and during the temperate seasons, spring or fall.

OTHER ORCHID SUGGESTIONS

PAPHIOPEDILUM ORCHIDS – Paphiopedilums or “paphs” are very easy to grow. They remain compact in their growth habit and have attractive foliage with long-lasting flowers in a wide range of colors. Although classed as terrestrials, they do not really grow in the ground. Rather, they grow in a layer of decaying vegetation found on the forest floor. It is helpful to know where an orchid grows in nature to more easily duplicate these conditions in our home or greenhouse.

NOBILE DENDROBIUM ORCHIDS – The Nobile Dendrobium orchid is a genus of the Dendrobium orchids. Dendrobiums are native to the far east and grow epiphytically on tree branches from the warm lowlands to the cool highlands up to 4000 feet. Kept dry, they can survive in winter down to 35 degrees. Most blooming occurs from February to April.

JEWEL ORCHID – The Jewel orchid is known to have the most beautiful foliage of the orchid Family. The leaves are a blackish, red-green velvet with coppery red veins and wine-red undersides. The waxy white flowers have a yellow anther that twists to one side while the anchor-shaped lip twists opposite. The flowers bloom from fall to winter.