What do you pot your Zygos in?

[irrka]

Hi!
I just got my first zygo (i've only had phals, catts and oncs so far, unless you count the one dendro i just killed). It looks big and happy and i want to keep it that way but the potting mix looks a bit old/broken down, so i was wondering what I should be repotting it into? Do these guys like to be root bound? Stuff i have under the kitchen sink to choose from: charcoal, lava rock, sphag, CHC, hydroton and i've a little bark left over.
How often do you water these guys? I was planning on putting it a little bit away from south facing window, will that be enough light?
And in general any other suggestions? I've looked up COC Zygo page, figuring that weather is more like where I am than say So.Fla. And they say to keep it moist!!! Zygopetalum Orchid Culture

[stitz]

irrka,

Your COC page will suit you well. A bit of caution -- moist does not mean wet. To me, it means don't let it dry out completely. I use a fir bark based cattleya mix. I water Zygos every 3-4 days at this time of year, daily during the summer while outside.

Good air movement is absolutely essential. Zygos rot very quickly when moist/wet and the air is stagnant. Monitor your own conditions. Only you will know the situation.

Your south window should be sufficient. In fact, it's possible that it might prove to be too much at some point. A slight yellow/light green color to the leaves is good; yellow is not good (too much). Dark green leaves indicate insufficient light.

My experience is that these plants do not like to be grossly overpotted nor root-bound. When repotting, leave up to an inch all around the perimeter of the plant's lead growths. Pot it as needed, not according to any schedule.

Zygos are generally very tolerant of the potting media. I have avoided lava, sphagnum and other media which are very quick to dry or overly retentive. My conditions are undoubtedly different from yours. Common sense goes a long way.

Which one do you have?
Good Luck!

--Stitz--