Zygopetalum orchid care: how to grow at home?

In recent years, the Zygopetalum orchid has gained popularity. More details about the features of its cultivation will be discussed in this article.

A detailed description of the appearance of the Zygopetalum orchid

Many are interested, is Zygopetalum a word? The orchid’s genus name Zygopetalum, derived from the Greek word zugón, which means “yoke”. This refers to the yoke-like growth at the base of the lip.

Young plants are very popular in tropical South America.

The Zygopetalum orchids flower has an unusual structure – the petals grow together at the base. Most varieties are large, but it is difficult to classify them as giants. Such Zygopetalum species in tropical South America are available in almost all houses.

Zygopetalums are relatively resistant to and bacterial and fungal diseases.

Distinctive features

The buds are fragrant, but the aroma is pleasant and not burdensome, as, for example, with lilies. The composition is most active in the mornings, in the late afternoon the amber dissipates.

Shoots reach a length of up to half a meter. Growth is sympodial – false bulbs are formed sequentially and on the one hand – like a ladder. Each “step” will gradually rise above the substrate. The root system is compacted: the antennae are white and thick.

The bulbs are oblong, shortened, and smooth. The color is similar to the leaves or slightly different in tone. Fruits, as a rule, with several flowers on one arrow, but there may be several of them themselves. Much depends on the age of the individual.

Shiny pointed green plates. The density of the leaves is different from the usual orchid – it is thinner. There is one longitudinal vein. Petals are purple, light green, or white. Dark colors predominate. The shape is pointed, reminiscent of a starfish. There are monophonic or leaf spotting combinations.

What is the difference between other types of orchids?

Not just beautifully flowering, but highly decorative. The buds are original, with sharp sepals, and against their, background there is a bright non-standard lip with variegated color.

Unlike its counterparts, it does not tolerate drying of the soil mixture between waterings. Because root tendrils without a protective layer can retain moisture. This factor should be taken into account when caring for the Zygopetalum orchids.

Many are interested in how long Zygopetalum flowers last. When all is well, the beauty pleases the owner with her festive outfits and smell for up to 8 months a year.

Care before and after flowering: features

Zygopetalum orchids need quality care. It may vary depending on the growing season.

Care during flowering

The Zygopetalum peduncle appears next to a false bulb that has barely begun to develop, which stops growing during flowering, and resumes its development after flowering is completed.

If growth has developed, but flowering has not taken place, then it is useless to wait for a flower from already grown false bulbs. However, with good care at home, flowers on the Zygopetalum orchids can form twice a year. During the flowering period, the Zygopetalum needs indirect light.

Zygopetalum orchids after flowering

There is a question, how do you rebloom Zygopetalum? It takes a few simple steps. The faded arrow must be cut off so that it does not take away nutrition from the young false bulbs, which have yet to develop into adult growth.

After flowering is completed, continue to feed the Zygopetalum with fertilizers with a predominance of nitrogen.

And when the false bulbs are fully formed, add a potassium-phosphorus complex to the substrate, after which you need to stop feeding, and lower the temperature in the room (during the day – to 60,8 °F-64,4 °F, and at night to 57,2–60,8 °F) and gradually reduce watering.

The Zygopetalum orchid should rest and gain strength before the new growing season.

What to do if Zygopetalum orchids do not bloom

Do you want to make the orchid throw out an arrow and not a new bulb? Reduce the frequency of adding water to the substrate and do not spray the leaves. Eliminate temperature fluctuations and make sure that the air in the room is not stale.

While the plant is in bloom, keep the bark evenly moist to hydrate the thirsty work of producing flowers.

Orchid Zygopetalum: home care

Caring for a wayward beauty is another test. But if you have already encountered epiphytes, things will go easier, and you will not need to acquire new skills.

Location selection

The flower likes partial shade, so the pots are placed on the eastern or western windowsills. When this is not possible, a lamp is installed on the north window, and the south ones are covered with a cloth.

Soil and pot preparation

Zygopetalum roots do not have a special sheath, like most epiphytes. Therefore, the substrate in shallow pots must be water-intensive:

• drainage from pebbles, expanded clay, or foam plastic, which must have undergone preliminary disinfection;
• pine bark of fine fraction;
• peat;
• sphagnum – moss plays an important role in maintaining a special climate in a pot.

Orchid Potting Mix Pot Zygopetalums are not very pot-bound. Leave a margin of free space, when choosing a pot.

A mixture containing humus is also suitable:

• medium-sized pine bark;
• moss;
• sod land;
• mullein;
• peat;
• dry leaves;
• drainage.

The latter option is especially relevant for terrestrial varieties. The shallow pots must be chosen plastic, with low and wide sides. The rhizome grows, and the ground part also increases in size with each new bulb. For drainage and ventilation, drainage holes in the bottom and small holes in the walls are needed.

Temperature

The daytime temperatures should be moderate, without sudden changes:

• moderate temperatures in summer – 73,4 °F-77 °F during the day and 62,6 °F-64,4 °F are nighttime temperatures;
• autumn-winter – 64,4 °F-73,4 °F during the day, and nighttime temperatures are not lower than 59 °F.

We recommend keeping hybrid varieties in the summer on a loggia or balcony. So, the Zygopetalum orchid will receive the necessary environment. These are soft-leaved plants and dislike direct sunlight, especially in the summer months. Placing them outside under the shade of tall trees during the summer months is very beneficial. Do not place them in full sun.

Important: when a daily difference of several degrees is not respected, the flower can get sick. If an air conditioner is installed at home, it must be switched to different modes.

Humidity

The required indicator is quite high – from 70 to 90%, which is not always feasible in residential conditions. In case of severe drought outside the window, 60% is acceptable.

But only high humidity and good air circulation will allow the orchid to develop properly. We recommend using special devices that are designed to solve the problem with a dry microclimate in the room.

Most fungal infections are the result of consistently high temperatures, too much water or moisture, or poor air circulation.

Lighting: bright light, indirect light, or shade?

Bright direct sunlight leaves burns on the leaves, which is not good. Therefore, the southern windows are shaded with white paper or fabric blinds, if they are located directly on the frame and have good light transmission. Darkened leaves are an indicator that ultraviolet is not enough, a lamp is needed.

This is especially true in winter, but they turn it on for only 2 hours.

Make sure the plant receives plenty of bright indirect light during the day with good air circulation and even temperatures.

Watering

In the hot season, soil moisture should be intense. Our exotic beauty is still a water drinker. Additionally, you will need to spray the leaf plates, but in no case flowers. If the unit is not used to maintain a certain percentage of moisture in the air, we recommend installing a pallet with expanded clay and watering it.

Ideally, everything will evaporate in a day. Manipulations are carried out in the morning, in extreme cases – before lunch. In winter, the intensity of care decreases, but the growing medium should not be allowed to dry out. Use only settled or filtered liquid at all times.

Fertilizer Zygopetalum orchids

Fertilizers are added to the growing medium during irrigation. The liquid feed is added to the prepared water. Otherwise, there is a risk of harming the roots, up to the death of the Zygopetalum orchid.

In summer, top dressing is performed twice a week, and in winter, you can refuse the procedure or do it no more than 1 time per month. With active growth, nitrogen is needed, and after the appearance of the arrow, potassium, and phosphorus.

Transfer

The “moving” of the green beauty is planned in two cases:

• the rhizome has grown strongly, or the bulbs are already crawling over the edge of the pot;
• after treatment for illness.

In the first case, the transshipment method is suitable, which does not involve the destruction of the old lump. Together with the contents of the container, the orchid is placed in a new pot with laid-out drainage and covered with the necessary void soil mixture.

Some diseases affect the root system and even the air roots. For example, root rot. After treatment and cleaning, the Zygopetalum orchid is planted in completely new soil. With the help of a sterile knife, old dried false bulbs and bad processes of the underground system are separated. Sections are treated with crushed coal.

Reproduction

Increasing the number of orchids of this genus by division is the only possible way at home.

Sequencing:

1. Remove from the pot (do not water the Zygopetalum orchid).
2. Eliminate soil.
3. Remove any infected, rotten or dead tendrils.

The viable part is the one with at least 2-3 sprouts. It must be carefully separated from the mother’s trunk. They are identified in the moss for maturation.

Conditions – partial shade, high humidity. Watering only through spraying.

The bush is considered ready for planting, in which the false bulbs have begun to grow. It must be carefully placed on the substrate. Take care in the usual way.

The easiest way to propagate Zygopetalum is to divide your existing plant by removing offsets from the mother plant. This is normally done in late spring to early summer.

Prevention of various problems

The main thing is regular and proper care. Points to be aware of:

1. Excess light causes the active development of flower stalks, but after that, the Zygopetalum orchid will be deleted.
2. The deficiency of ultraviolet slows down the development and death of the kidneys.
3. Wiping with a weak solution of pine extract (20 g per 1 liter of water) will help prevent pests and rot.

Conclusion

As you can see, orchid care is simple. If everything is done correctly, it will delight with a long and beautiful flowering.