Repotted Zygopetalum into 3 last yr, black spots on old leaves.what do I do now?

[YorkieF]

Hi All
I'm new to all of this but am being quite successful at reviving old phaleonopsis that have been neglected. Two years ago, my wife was given a Zygopetalum which re-flowered a year later.
With the new growth starting to make the pot tip over, I decided to separate the plant into 2 when the flowers had finished. It ended up in 3 pieces as one fell off without any roots. So I potted them up.

They all have new growth but there are black spots on the old growth. As you can see from the photos the new growth is on the opposite from the old as I had trouble keeping the old growth upright after potting.
Shall I chop off the old growth with the black spots or just wait and see.
Thanks
YorkieF

pS One of them has a flower spike starting in the new growth

[estación seca]

Zygos commonly get black spots when things aren't perfect. It's not a big worry. Tipping over might mean the pot is too small. I never chop off old growths unless they are clearly dead; people also prune like this if they have limited space. A plant in good condition will push multiple new growths from older growths, and soon will be spectacular.

Zygos require different conditions than do Phals. They mostly prefer much cooler temperatures, and need purer water to look good. The fact yours flowered again means your conditions aren't bad, but some attention to detail might help.

Use the Advanced Search function above to search on Zygo posts from jcec1, who lives in your country.

[YorkieF]

Originally Posted by estación seca

Zygos commonly get black spots when things aren't perfect. It's not a big worry. Tipping over might mean the pot is too small. I never chop off old growths unless they are clearly dead; people also prune like this if they have limited space. A plant in good condition will push multiple new growths from older growths, and soon will be spectacular.

Zygos require different conditions than do Phals. They mostly prefer much cooler temperatures, and need purer water to look good. The fact yours flowered again means your conditions aren't bad, but some attention to detail might help.

Use the Advanced Search function above to search on Zygo posts from jcec1, who lives in your country.

Many thanks, I couldn't post the photos until I've done a few more posts, so I guess this reply will go to the tally

[krienschmidt]

Yes I agree, spotted leaves on zygos is common. I have this from a reliable source where I buy many of my orchids. I also do not cut my leaves until they are almost all yellow and obviously a gonner. I think some type of zygo hybrids may be more prone to spotted leaves than others. I have an Advanced Australia for 1 1/2 years now and her old leaves are just starting to spot up a bit now. Good Luck.

[jcec1]

Mine are relatively free of black spots - the key is keeping them cool. I grow mine in West and east facing windows. A living room is probably too warm - bedrooms are ideal as they are usually cooler.

The other key to success is they like to be grown quite damp - I use seramis and small bark - fine bark on its own is fine too.

I water twice a week all year long and for spring, summer and autumn I keep them in a saucer of water.

They are one of my favourites with their strong fragrance and their ability to bloom several times a year.

[YorkieF]

Originally Posted by jcec1

I water twice a week all year long and for spring, summer and autumn I keep them in a saucer of water.

They are one of my favourites with their strong fragrance and their ability to bloom several times a year.

I've got mine on the north west facing kitchen window sill and they seem to like it. Do you keep the saucer of water topped up or just to catch any run off?
I wish that I had more windows sills!

[jcec1]

Originally Posted by YorkieF

I've got mine on the north west facing kitchen window sill and they seem to like it. Do you keep the saucer of water topped up or just to catch any run off?
I wish that I had more windows sills!

I use it to keep the run off - there is usually a little bit of dampness by the next time I water - I have a few zygonisia that stand in about a cm of water all the time. Your situation sounds perfect.

Post some pics

[YorkieF]

Originally Posted by jcec1

I use it to keep the run off - there is usually a little bit of dampness by the next time I water - I have a few zygonisia that stand in about a cm of water all the time. Your situation sounds perfect.

Post some pics

That's how I have them. I can't post any pics yet as I haven't done enough posts yet but I will soon.
I've just noticed a flower spike coming up on one of them so I must be doing something right!

---------- Post added at 10:59 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:24 AM ----------