Why can't I grow this Zygopetalum?

[DenmanNJ]

WOW! I gotta tell you that this is a real bummer. Then these orchids are no different than a Masdevallia - High Humidity and Cool Temps. This is a real Bummer. I have yet to be able to find a Zygopetalum available for sale in spike or flower.

[JScott]

Originally Posted by DenmanNJ

WOW! I gotta tell you that this is a real bummer. Then these orchids are no different than a Masdevallia - High Humidity and Cool Temps. This is a real Bummer. I have yet to be able to find a Zygopetalum available for sale in spike or flower.

Now, what I said before isn't written in stone, and some people are able to be successful, and maybe you can find one of those people and get some tips, but what I have heard and read here, it seems like most people have a very hard time with them in the home, but that doesn't mean you have to give up if you are not ready.

[DenmanNJ]

I'm gonna check the the members of the Zygopetalum group on Facebook, and see who is growing these in their home, and what their experience is. No Orchid nursery has ever mentioned that these are strictly a Greenhouse orchid.

[JScott]

Originally Posted by DenmanNJ

I'm gonna check the the members of the Zygopetalum group on Facebook, and see who is growing these in their home, and what their experience is. No Orchid nursery has ever mentioned that these are strictly a Greenhouse orchid.

I know how you feel tho. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Odontiodas, and have certainly tried to grow them, but I just cannot provide the humidity and cool temperatures they need, and after killing a number of these amazing plants, I finally gave up.

[DenmanNJ]

I will let you know what I find out .......

[Shadeflower]

yeah I grow 3 zygo's in my living room but like I mentioned I haven't been able to figure them out much. Have kept them alive and have managed to eliminate the black spots but it is only this year I have managed to keep the roots happy for the first time so mine are all set back as a result. I was keeping my hybrids cool and with little light but they were not happy to start with and since moving to phalaenopsis conditions, so a bit warmer and more light things have improved slightly.
Jscott is probably right that they really are not suited for home growing but neither are my angraecums, or my ferns, I've figures out a way to do it nontheless with them and I will get at least one of these zygo's to rebloom for me.

[DenmanNJ]

Growing and blooming an orchid are two different things. I think that we are going to extremes when we inadvertently think that Zygopetalums are not meant for home growing. Cool temps are ok, not COLD, and a 50% Humidity level can be attained in most homes, even without a Humidifier, so I personally am not giving up on these orchids just yet until I have killed a few.

[JScott]

Originally Posted by DenmanNJ

Growing and blooming an orchid are two different things. I think that we are going to extremes when we inadvertently think that Zygopetalums are not meant for home growing. Cool temps are ok, not COLD, and a 50% Humidity level can be attained in most homes, even without a Humidifier, so I personally am not giving up on these orchids just yet until I have killed a few.

There's nothing wrong with that attitude. In fact, I discovered that I can grow nobile type dendrobiums quite successfully despite the fact that my conditions aren't really that favorable for them, and the first few didn't do well. But I finally figured it out.

What I'm saying is that there can come a point, like with Odontiodas and me, where you have to just admit that you don't have it, you're not going to have it, and there is no benefit in continuing to kill plants.

[DenmanNJ]

I just spent a good 30-minutes researching Zygopetalum orchids online. I could not believe the amount of conflicting information I was seeing. The variance of Temps and Humidity levels from one website to another was unbelievable. The only one constant was Light levels. I'm really convinced not to waste my time reading anything on the Internet.

[JScott]

Originally Posted by DenmanNJ

I just spent a good 30-minutes researching Zygopetalum orchids online. I could not believe the amount of conflicting information I was seeing. The variance of Temps and Humidity levels from one website to another was unbelievable. The only one constant was Light levels. I'm really convinced not to waste my time reading anything on the Internet.

I believe that everything on the internet is a lie, until you can independently confirm its veracity.