Potting medium for Zygopetalum

[plumania]

I have to repot a Zygopetalum 'Kiwi Dusk'. It has a new growth coming up (about 4-6 inches now) and some good roots but other 2 pseudo-bulbs have no roots.
Already trimmed off bad roots and treated with hydrogen peroxide,Cinnamon etc. I potted it up in regular Cattleya mix you get at Lowes, to protect it from getting too soggy this time. Is that OK?


Bought at the orchid show this year in healthy condition and was told to repot . Previously I potted it in terrestrial mix(soil-less) and it lost almost 90 percent of healthy roots.Long story....Blooms smell so good that I do not want to lose it. I know it does not like too much sun or heat or water on leaves .

Should it be kept indoors near window (AC is set at about 75-77 degree F ) to help grow roots?
Our weather is quite humid and temps in high 80s to low 90s . I can also use my patio to rotect from direct sun.

[DavidCampen]

I use medium bark (Cattleya mix) for my couple of zygos. I have seen that they can get sunburned from strong summer sun but I have never seen a problem due to heat (Los Angeles, CA). I would say that they would be happy outside if you can filter the midday summer sun.

[The3birds]

I live in south Florida and I have no problem with the heat, and I keep mine under palms to protect from the mid and afternoon sun. Mine bloomed twice for me this year. Because I live in a hot environment I potted it in moss to keep it from drying out too much.

[plumania]

The3birds, I like your plant and the set up. I have similar pot and regular spanish moss at home.
Is your moss straight in that Glazed ceramic pot ? Or do you have a plastic pot containing everything?
And do you wait for moss to dry before watering again?
And (last question) do you bring it in during winter....I worry about root rot if I bring it inside during winter in moss.
Thanks

[The3birds]

I have it in a pot that is only glazed on the outside and has decorative cuts through the pot to help with drainage. I don't have a plastic pot inside because I wanted to help keep the roots moist but have good drainage.
In the summer I water it almost every day if it hasn't rained, and in the winter I water it when the top is dry but I never let it totally dry out.
I didn't bring it in this last winter, or the winter before, but I would have brought it in if I had it the previous winter when it got cold for nearly two weeks. All my orchids came in that time. What a mess, and trying to catch all the lizards that had come in on the plants before the cats did.
I think if I did bring it in it would only be for a short time and I probable wouldn't water it until I brought it back outside.
Also I would change the moss every year. I have been lazy (or busy) and haven't gotten around to it this year. I was going to, but I saw bloom stalks coming up so though I would wait until it finished. It really need to be done.
Hope this helps.

[plumania]

Thanks a lot.
I am going to try your method then.
Those lizards.......I know what you mean. I have same problem here. They are so fast but I figured out a way to scoop them up. I lost many plants during that winter with 2 week of severe cold weather. Did not have orchids or Hoyas back then. Now I am already worried how much preparation it would take if I end up bring these plants in. Lizards think I am renting house from them.

[orchidsarefun]

what works for me ( in my climate ):
1) summer temps no higher than 75f for extended periods
2) move all outside in fall, temps no lower than 40f
3) humidity above/around 50%
4) miracle-gro orchid mix - about 70/30 with medium fir bark
5) drench water with 75f water when containers "light"
6) fertilise weakly, weekly
7) South-facing while indoors/some shading. Morning sun while outdoors.
My zygo's often flower 2x per year. My favourite orchid/flower and they know how to scent up a room !

[james mickelso]

I envy anyone who can grow zygos. Every one of mine has died a horrible death from black rot. Leaves, pbulbs, roots, everything. I've tried every trick in the book but no luck. Yes I'll try again. They are one of my favorites because they stink so good. I had one a long time ago that gave me a headache it was so strongly fragrant. But it too died in agony. Like some kind of horror flick.

[Leafmite]

I have zygolum louisendorf which seems to be an easy one. I grow it in lava rock/net pot.

[plumania]

I have read they are not easy to grow,specially in warm places.
James, agree with you. They are worth trying again. Mine had highly scented blooms.It was originally potted in a coarse mix but when I took it out of container for re pot, it had very little medium,mostly just roots.Totally molded by container which had to be peeled off. It was funny looking, like you see flattened cat molded to surfaces in Tom and Jerry cartoons.

I just re potted it in a container similar to The3birds ,in moss and placed some foam peanuts scattered inside. Pseudobulbs are above the moss. And then put it in my porch which has roof. Leaves look awful on mine because I sprayed water on them not knowing they dislike getting wet.
Now praying it survives.