Zygopetilium Blackii help?

[AKMK]

Hi All,

I got this Zygo from my mom a year ago. The tag says its a HG-5186 Zygopetilum Blackii 'Lucerne Valley' Species X self.
This plant was bought over 13 years ago and have never bloomed! I assume it was from lack of light and improper feeding. The leaves used to droop but now in the current growth the leaves are perky and more upright.
I have mostly phals in my collection so I am new to Zygos. I did some reading online to try and figure out what its needs are but there are some features on the plant that I would love if someone could help me identify.

In pic 1 I circled a small growth that appears at the base of the plant and on the inside of the leaf. Is this a possible "future bloom spike"??

In pic 2 I circled what I believe to be a new growth. Any thoughts?

The plant is now in bright but indirect light. It is in the same growing conditions as my phals and paphs and they are growing wonderfully. Any thoughts or tips would be appreciated.

Thanks for your help!

[Leafmite]

You have circled the new growth. From the new growth, you should get flower spikes.
Zygos don't really like getting water on their leaves and growths, just like phals, but, otherwise, I think they are pretty easy. Bright light, a little morning light, shade in hot temps, water from the bottom, whatever medium works well for you. I give them a little extra calcium as I use distilled or rain water.

[orchidsarefun]

a couple of things
- grow in fine to medium fir bark, amended with perlite and a little sphag. Yours looks to be in 100% sphag, which is too moist ( even though you have a holey pot ).
- grow in cooler temps ( if possible ) - 58-75f at night, but more to the cooler side. Lets say they prefer conditions cooler than phals.
- a south facing window is ideal, shaded. They like more light than most phals.
- if you are going to repot, plant deeper with 1/3 of bulbs planted. Make sure you get rid of dead roots.......and disinfect the cutting tool in a weak bleach solution.

[silken]

I agree the plant is sitting higher than it should be. It may not be for everyone but I bought a Zygo hybrid in pure moss in a net pot. It did so well and outgrew the pot (and bloomed last summer) that I moved it into fresh moss and a larger net pot. It has two new growths almost fully grown now. They seem to like a lot to drink. I don't let mine get completely dry but I don't let it get totally water logged either. I think with these good air movement is quite important.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I've grown a Zygo hybrid potted in full moss before with absolutely no problems for several years. I grew it outdoors though.

Yes, the circled portion of the plant is a new growth, as Leafmite mentioned. And yes, it will bloom from the new growth prior to the formation of a pseudobulb.

[AKMK]

Thanks Guys,

I will have to try out some of the tips. I really want to see this zygo bloom.