ZYGOPETALUM Problem ...Can you help?

[NeoNJ]

I got this really nice in-bloom Zygopetalum at Trader Joe's a few weeks ago. It's now out of bloom, and I'm noticing the leaves are turning brown-streaked and those beautiful green leaves that I initially had are quickly becoming horribly ugly.
Does anyone know what could have happened to this plant ?

[Paul Mc]

Could you post a picture of it? Is there new growth coming up?

[orchidsarefun]

yep, need pictures.
However, depending on zygo grex ( as some are definitely more susceptible ), never allow leaves to get wet or stay wet. They get black spots/smudges as a result. Its harmless but looks tragic. Not sure if this is your issue, but leaves are OK with the smudges, its just you who probably won't be.

[NeoNJ]

Sorry, No Camera, hence, No Pics can be provided.
I think Yes, they are black "smudges" down the leaves. No, they never got wet. Yes, there is new leaf growth, but the plant IMO is "unsightly". No grex noted - the label card just stated "Zygopetalum" as it came from Trader Joe's.

[orchidsarefun]

are the "bulbs" green, firm, plump or wrinkly ? Are the black smudges appearing on new leaf growth ? Do you spray-water ? Is there new root growth ? On zygos this is evident as generally roots grow from the side of the bulb - green tip, rest is white. Does it get adequate light ? For example mine are in a SF window that has shading until about 2pm

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

It's very difficult to diagnose what's going on with the plant based off of your descriptions.

Zygos can drop old leaves, but this may or may not be your situation.

Without a photo, it is difficult to pinpoint what the problem may be.

They should be watered year round, but they should receive less water during the falls and winters, and more water during springs and summers.

Be careful you're not over watering the Zygo.

[NeoNJ]

Yes, the bulbs are green and the new leaves are green, the roots are healthy too, and I water when the soil top is dry. They are in an SE window, so they get AM sunlight. Is direct sunlight to much for this plant since the leaves are so light and thin?
I will try and get someone to take a photo .....
The plant is growing well, and it is certainly larger now than when I purchased it..

[orchidsarefun]

direct sun between 11-3 is a potential issue. Mine did better ( tho in true South Facing ) with a hessian/burlap screen that I put up in Feb. Otherwise it sounds like your zygo is very happy, esp since the new leaves are ok.
I purchased a zygo off e-bay and when it came ALL its leaves were covered in black smudges. The e-bay picture was such that I couldn't tell ! Anyway all new leaves are OK and I just left it alone. Its doing well with all the others and there was no cross-contamination or anything like that.

[NeoNJ]

Here are PICS of my Zygopetalum. The leaf problems should be visible ....

[orchidsarefun]

that's potentially sunburn. I haven't seen that on mine. Watch to see if it spreads, and provide more shade. If it spreads then its something else.
Maybe someone else has seen that before...