Potting medium for Zygopetalum

[plumania]

Well, although I potted it in moss,I kept worrying remaining roots may rot being too moist. So I just followed my 'gut feeling' and put is back in the mix that has primarily bark.
Prayer- Sorry Lord for being too indecisive.... I do not have enough experience so I have hard time deciding what to do. Please help me keep the plant.

[The3birds]

I didn't know Zygolums do not like water on their leaves. I hope mine doesn't find out because it gets wet leaves every time it rains and I water. Maybe the difference is how much air the plant gets to dry off the water.

[Cym Ladye]

Treat your Zygos as you would your Cyms. - potting mix, temps, fertilizer and all. Just keep the water off the leaves when the cold temps arrive to avoid the black spots on the leaves.

As for fragrance, I suspect the species responsible for that is Z. mackyii and its immediate hybrids. Truly AWESOME!

CL

[plumania]

Got no Cyms, so I have no clue how they are grown. Now I know I will not do well with them. Catts seem happy with me and so does my Epidendrum.

[nenella]

I only have one of these a hybrid; Louisdorf. I totally agree they don't like lots of Fert (dries out the leaf tips:
- They like to be kept moist but not wet (roots). - P/bulbs need to be not touching the media so stay dry
and as already mentioned too - they don't like wet leaves.
They also grow into big plants in no time - which is why I only have one! It has three spikes at the moment.

[Cym Ladye]

Originally Posted by plumania

Got no Cyms, so I have no clue how they are grown. Now I know I will not do well with them. Catts seem happy with me and so does my Epidendrum.

Cyms are cool growers, in my experience, happiest from 45F to 85F with 50% humidity but taking temps briefly if necessary from 32F to 100F. Same with the Zygos. There has been some intergeneric work done and some of these may be more heat tolerant, but for the most part, still not a satisfactory plant I would recommend for hot, humid Florida.

Water on leaves is OK IF they are allowed to dry quickly and the temps are warm. It is water staying on the leaves when the temps are cold that is the problem.

I think the rule we all tend to go by when it comes to fertilizing all orchids is "WEEKLY/WEAKLY" meaning rather than a full manufacturer's recommendation for once a month feeding, use a 1/4 of that each week. Even Cyms, which are heavy feeders, do well with this.


CL

[plumania]

Sooooo,looks like wrong plant for hot and steamy Florida. Oh well,will try my best and then see what happens. As I understand some people are growing it fine,may be mine will understand that.
Thanks.

[orchidsarefun]

Originally Posted by plumania

Sooooo,looks like wrong plant for hot and steamy Florida. Oh well,will try my best and then see what happens. As I understand some people are growing it fine,may be mine will understand that.
Thanks.

or keep it indoors (bright location ) and move it outdoors in fall ?

[plumania]

Yes, that is what I was thinking too. I do not know though that my indoor light would be enough for it. I read it does not need too much light. I have a west facing window where I can have it. It is bright there all day long. I can adjust blinds to change lighting.

[plumania]

Update-It seems getting worse . So,today I changed the mix to coconut fiber in a net pot and the pot is inside a larger pot with moist sphagnum between pots. Does not look like I can save it but I will keep trying.
My plant is indoor in a dim light .AC is on but area is comfortable temp(not hot or cool).
I really love the fragrance on it's flowers, trying my best. I think it does not like repotting either. But since mine has no roots left now, I see no other choice.