need help: zygopetulum care

[craigo12]

need help with care for "zygo" species
got one for free because i became a new member of an orchid society
craigo12

[Discus]

I treat mine similarly to a cymbidium (i.e. reasonably high light, lots of water) and it seems quite happy.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Bright shade to indirect moderately bright light.

Intermediate temperatures (55 F - 95 F).

But here's the tricky part - watering...

They get water all year round, but spring and summer get the most water (essentially they can be watered anywhere from 4 -7 days a week during their wet season). Fall and winter get less (during their drier season reduce to 1 - 2 days a week).

Follow this watering regimen, and you won't get shoots damping off or rotting.

[silken]

Good air movement seems to prevent the spotting on leaves that can be a problem.

[james mickelso]

I have a similar problem with my Zygo. Mackyii. I get new growth but about when it has grown halfway, the inner leaf comes up black and I can pull it right out. I take great pains to keep all water from getting into the inside of the shoots. I water from the bottom only. Still does it. Also another quick queston. I have what appears to be a kekiie growing from the top of an old bulb. It has roots and all. When would I cut it off? It hasn't grown anymore (1.5 inches) and roots haven't lengthened (1/2 inch). I dribble water down the roots taking care not to get water on the leaf. Any help is appreciated.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I have already addressed what you should do for the damping off problem.

Zygopetalum experience a seasonal change in the amount of water they receive during the course of the year. Many tropical regions only have what would be considered 2 or 3 seasons, not 4 seasons like in most temperate areas.

The keiki you should wait until the roots continue to grow longer. They should be in peak growing season in a few months (spring/summer). Just continue to water the roots like you have.

[james mickelso]

thankyou. I am not versed in Zygo culture. I appreciate it.

[orchidsarefun]

Mine are doing well ( in NH ):-
very high light - South facing room
unheated room - lows to 58f
sphagnum ( 15% )/ fir bark mixture
at least 50% humidity
drench-water roughly once a week ( not leaves )- from top
fertiliser - roughly 2x per month, weak

With above conditions I have good pb and root growth, and 2 developing spikes on 1.
I wouldn't worry too much about black spots on leaves - I purchased one over the internet that was literally covered in black spots ( probably why I got it cheap ! ), but new growth is clean.
In Summer they will be outdoors with my cymbidium.


meant to add that grexes are all different in terms of growth. I have 3. My zygo louisendorff is more vigorous in developing new growth/spikes.