Zygopetalum triste

[orchidsarefun]

I got a small flask of these on 24 July 2013. They are a species and not often seen, or available.

They definitely prefer cooler temps ( these are grown max 66f, min 55f ) and grow rapidly with an extensive root system.
It seems that are susceptible to the zygo black spot. Despite my care.........and fungicide spray.....they still have developed the odd spot. The smaller ones were grown warmer, which they evidently didn't like, and are doing much better in the basement. I have a couple more to move downstairs.

[Daniel Herrera]

That is a very interesting orchid. Where did you get it?

[orchidsarefun]

Originally Posted by Daniel Herrera

That is a very interesting orchid. Where did you get it?

flask from Troy Meyers Conservancy..

[euplusia]

I can easily understand that Zygos prefer cooler places. Only once I've seen Zygo in its native habitat in the coastal range in the outback of Rio. It was at an altitude of 1200 meters, 15°C in the clouds, maybe 11h30 am. We felt shivery. At once for 30 minutes the clouds teared open, the temperature raised to 25 °C, we pulled off our sweaters for sunbathing. Then the cloudy shivery weather continued, with permanent high air movement.
You have great looking plants, 5 months after deflasking.

[NYCorchidman]

What kind of light set up do you use?

[orchidsarefun]

its 2 T5's in the basement, one shelf. I have 6 T8's over 3 shelves upstairs.

[Leafmite]

They look very healthy!

[orchidsarefun]

update. Seedlings are doing very well.
By way of contrast the compot of seedlings on the right of the photograph are the same age as the others - the difference being they were kept upstairs for a while in normal house temps ( max 80f under lights ). They have a bit of catching up to do. The huge one at the back - I am hoping that I get a bloom this year !
BTW - the root systems on these are amazing. The bigger ones have almost filled up their pots with roots !

[Leafmite]

Really nice! I try not to get water on the leaves and that helps a little but...yes, those spots. I have tried extra calcium, keeping the leaves dry, keeping them out of too bright of light, etc. I have decided just to accept them. I might ask a vendor who grows these what he does.

[orchidsarefun]

Originally Posted by Leafmite

Really nice! I try not to get water on the leaves and that helps a little but...yes, those spots. I have tried extra calcium, keeping the leaves dry, keeping them out of too bright of light, etc. I have decided just to accept them. I might ask a vendor who grows these what he does.

I have also accepted them. I did ask a grower ( not a reseller ) about conditions and was told that they have fans in the greenhouses. Well mine still developed spots when they were outdoors in windy Chicago !