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General Care for the Zygopetalum Alliance

While some claim 16 species in existence, there are currently only 14 distinct zygopetalum species recognised by the World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, maintained by The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. All species are native to South America with most being highly and beautifully perfumed.

LIGHT

Zygopetalums & their related genera require intermediate-bright light, though should not be exposed to direct sunlight, particularly through glass, as this can result in leaves being burned. Their leaves should be medium green. Pale or yellowing leaves can be a sign of too-bright light, while dark leaves indicate not enough light as the plant produces higher levels of chlorophyll.


TEMPERATURE

Generally speaking, orchids in the zygopetalum alliance are cool-intermediate growers, preferring temperatures between 15-18℃. However, will tolerate higher temperatures. In temperate climates, they may be grown outside under shade.


POTTING MEDIA

Zygopetalum species vary in their growing habit with some being classified as terrestrial, and others classified as epiphytic. As such, species should, in theory, be potted in a medium which reflects this. However, I find all can be grown successfully in an all-purpose orchid bark mix. Perhaps with some fern tree fibre added for extra moisture retention for those terrestrial species.


WATER

Zygopetalums appreciate being well-watered while in active growth however, like most orchids, they do not like to be kept soggy. Water should be reduced in winter while cooler temperatures result in reduced evaporation, particularly in more humid regions. Zygopetalums are prone to developing brown spots on the leaves and leaf tips. This can be exacerbated by leaf misting and droplets of moisture sitting on leaves, so this is best avoided. These leaf spots are not detrimental, however, and not something which should be of any concern. If the aesthetic of browning of leaf tips bothers you, these can simply be snipped off. I do so on an angle in keeping with the leaf's naturally pointed shape.


Epiphytic Species:

  • Z. ghillanyi 'Ghillany's Zygopetalum' - Native to the Sao Paolo region in Brazil.
  • Z. graminifolium - Native to the Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo regions of Brazil
  • Z. maculatum 'The Spotted Zygopetalum' - Small sized, cool growing, fragrant species native to Bolivia, Brazil & Peru
  • Z. maxillare 'The Chin Bone Zygopetalum' - Small to medium-sized, cool to warm growing fragrant species found in mountainous rainforest regions of Argentina, Brazil & Paraguay. Unlike other Zygopetalum species, Z. maxillare sends out runners with a tough, thin rhizome between pseudobulbs and does well being grown in a shallow pot with a fern tree fibre pole for it to climb on. She tends to flower in Summer.
  • Z. silvanum 'The Forest Zygopetalum' - Z. silvanum is a small to medium, warm growing species with a climbing habit. It can be found in the mountainous rainforests of Bahia, Brazil & blooms from late Summer to Autumn.

Terrestrial Species:

  • Z. brachypetalum 'The Short Petaled Zygopetalum' - Z. brachypetalum is a Large fragrant species, native to the mountainous regions of Brazil.
  • Z. microphytum 'The Small Leaved Zygopetalum' - As its common name suggests, this is a small-sized terrestrial species, native to Southeast Brazil. Luckily for home-growers, Z. microphytum tolerates a wide range of temperatures (between 10-30℃).
  • Z. pabstii 'Pabst's Zygopetalum' - Z. pabstii is a large-size, warm to hot growing terrestrial species found in the mountainous rainforests of Brazil. This species flowers in late Summer and Autumn. Unfortunately, its flowers lack fragrance.
  • Z. pedicellatum 'The Single Foot Zygopetalum' - The common name of this species refers to its monopodial growth habit; its lack of pseudobulbs being unique to the genus. Z. pedicellatum is an exceptionally large, cool to warm growing species from the mountainous rainforests of Brazil. Its fragrant flowers bloom in Summer.
  • Z. reginae 'The Royal Zygopetalum' - The blooms of the Royal Zygopetalum look somewhat distinct from other zygopetalums, with pale yellow-green petals and a white lip.
  • Z. sellowii 'Sellow's Zygopetalum' - Z. sellowii is a small to medium growing species found in Eastern Brazil.
  • Z. sincoranum 'The Sincorana Zygopetalum' - Z. sincoranum is a small sized, cool to warm growing species that blooms in Summer and is found in the mountainous rainforests of Bahia, Brazil.
  • Z. triste 'The Dark Purple Zygopetalum' - While this species's common name is the Dark Purple Zygopetalum, the word 'triste' in fact translates from Spanish to sad, joyless, forlorn, or broken-hearted. This broken-hearted orchid is a small, cool to warm growing terrestrial or lithophytic species that enjoys bright light. Z. triste is often found growing on rocks in Brazil 

Terrestrial or Epyphytic Species:

  • Z. crinitum 'The Hairy Zygopetalum' - Medium-sized, cool to warm growing, fragrant species, native to Brazil. Often found growing amongst leaf litter.


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