Zygopetalum yes or no?

[Newoptions]

the one I am looking at is Zygopetalum Adv. Australia 'HOF'. I can't get 70% humidity but I vary rarely let the humidity drop below 50%. I also have high ceilings with a lot of ceiling fans because we like a lot of air circulation in the house but I could get a small fan gust for the plants.

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by Newoptions

the one I am looking at is Zygopetalum Adv. Australia 'HOF'. I can't get 70% humidity but I vary rarely let the humidity drop below 50%. I also have high ceilings with a lot of ceiling fans because we like a lot of air circulation in the house but I could get a small fan gust for the plants.

I don't think that you need 70% humidity (and probably don't want to live with it) 50% is good for both plants and people. Sounds like air circulation is adequate.

[Dollythehun]

I only have that because it's over my sink. I agree w Roberta, you probably don't need that much. If you search the site you will find an excellent set of notes by ES on zygos. it was very helpful to me.

[estación seca]

ES means estación seca, my username.

Go to the Search function in the top bar. Click Advanced Search. In the Keyword box at the left put Alan Koch. In the User Name box at the right put estaci and uncheck the Exact name box (unless your keyboard has accents, in which case use my full username, and don't uncheck the box.) Hit Search and you will find the lecture notes I took when Alan Koch spoke to our orchid society. He mentioned Zygo. Advance Australia.

By the way, this Zygo has a lot of named clones, which not many people could tell apart. I haven't seen the one you mentioned, so I might advise you to settle for a different clone if you have trouble finding that one.

Zygos and Phals would not likely grow together well. You can probably get away with it. One or the other, or both, will be relatively unhappy. Phals prefer warm temperatures. Zygos prefer very cool temperatures.

Have you been in a fir or redwood forest in the morning after a rain or heavy dew, with the sun shining on the treetops, but the understory in bright shade? A little breeze moving the redwood oxalis or piggyback plants underneath the trees? That is what Zygos like.

Have you been in a shady tropical forest near a river or the coast, with high humidity, and warmth enough to make you drip with sweat as you struggle through the underbrush? That is what Phals prefer.

Zygos should do well in Portland so long as they don't freeze. Phals are fine outdoors in Portland in the summer in shade, or indoors. In the winter they won't be happy unless they're warmer than some people I know keep their homes. You can use heat mats under them in winter to keep them warmer. fooferdoggie here lives in Portland and can provide better information than I about overwintering Phals there.

[Dollythehun]

My Zygo grows with my phals...minimum temps 64f.

[birdbrain]

Wow I'm not sure what is harder caring for your orchids or navigating this website. I'll apologize now cuz I know I'll do something wrong. Lol
Ok I bought myself a orchid for my birthday, I love them. I got it at trader Joe's my traders Medford had a lot. The one I decided on figures furthest away from me. The plastic wrap said "exotic orchid? The tag attached to the orchid said dendrobium nobile. I only have phals 3 doing excellent I've had my 1st 3 yrs so knowing absolutely nothing about the needs of a dem. I always come here first with my questions. Turns out all the research I've done for caring for my dem I learned how to pronounce it. Lol. I value all the knowledge that comes with this website. Its a zygopetaum now I'm more confused and know nothing about my new orchid thanks

[Dollythehun]

When I get good info, I paste it into my phone's memo pad. Here's what someone posted about Zygopetalum care: "I give this the Baker culture for all Zygos: medium to bright indirect light and intermediate temperatures, and I don’t let the temperature get too hot… most Zygos like the top inch of the mix to dry out–some usually refer to the pot as ‘approaching dryness’–the top will be dry but the rest of the mix will still have moisture. …but I don’t like to let this dry out that much so I water this liberally under the sink; keeping the mix evenly moist, not wet....my apartment has humidity issues....this is in a well-draining media mix 4 inches pot.....with the help of an electric humidifier with attached oscillating fan since air circulation is important….this orchid plant easily shows signs of stress(be very observant of the bulbs if shrinking)…..and as much as possible I don’t wet the leaves because it is thin and can easily get cold dark spots." I disagree on the watering. I keep mine fairly moist. also good air circulation is a must to prevent spotty leaves.

[birdbrain]

Thank you I thank orchid board I'm very glad I found you. It's nice having so many aspects in orchid culture in one place. I'm slowwwly learning the ins and outs of navigating this forum. I've had zygopetalum for almost a week now. I'm having fun learning as I go. Thanks to all that took the time to help me. Glad I'm here

[birdbrain]

Me again... About my mix up on my orchid species. Thanks trader Joe's. Bite my tongue when I say I was on another "website" I love to learn. Someone mentioned to research oncidium orchid?? In there opinion that what my New one is? Now super confused. It really only matters so that I can do the best for my orchid. Thanks for all the input please more if possible in our busy schedules

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by birdbrain

Me again... About my mix up on my orchid species. Thanks trader Joe's. Bite my tongue when I say I was on another "website" I love to learn. Someone mentioned to research oncidium orchid?? In there opinion that what my New one is? Now super confused. It really only matters so that I can do the best for my orchid. Thanks for all the input please more if possible in our busy schedules

It looks to me in the Zygopetalum group.