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Plant Care
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Pat Hammer
Plant Care Guide

Zygopetalum (Zygopetalum spp)

Orchid

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  • General Information
  • Buy
  • Plant
  • Sow Seeds
  • Fertilize
  • Water
  • Prune
  • Mulch
  • Protect
  • Pest/Disease Inspection
  • Treat for Pest/Disease
  • Transplant
  • Propagate
  • Harvest
  • Special requirements

General Information

Plant Care by Liliana. Zygopetalum orchids are generally grown in doors, warm greenhouse or conservatory.They do enjoy high light but should not be exposed to midday hot sunlight. The foliage will burn easily.

Sunset Zones

USDA Zones

Web Link

www.beautifulorchids.com,www.theaos.org,www.sdorchids.com,www.palomarorchid.org

Buy

When's the best time to buy this plant? When can you buy these from seed (if you can)? When is it usually available? What are things to look for when you're buying it? Or anything other tidbit of information you can share!

January
Zegopetalums are one of the easiet orchids to grow indoors. You can bring them home anytime during the year. Most people like to buy them when flowering so they are sure of what they are getting. Buying from an independent grower who has a good reputation is the best as you can feel comfortable that you are getting what you want. The flowers can last 4-6 weeks so pick one with the flowers just starting to open. Make sure the foliage and roots look healthy and no signs of stress such as dead roots or dried leaves.

Plant

When's a good time to plant this plant or bulb? Any special planting instructions?

Sow Seeds

When can you plant these seeds? When's the best time? Can you start them indoors and move them out? Do they have any special requirements?

Fertilize

When should you fertilize this plant? Which kind of fertilizer do you recommend? Should you use different fertilizers at different times of year?

January
August to January use a lower nitrogen fertilizer such as 6-25-25. Follow all directions on packaging carefully.

Water

Is there a time to reduce or increase watering? Any special requirements? Things to avoid during certain times of the year?

January
Find a good balance and timing for watering. Zygopetalums should dry between watering but not allowed to dry completely. Never allow them to sit in water or soggy mix. Generally, water ever 7 to 10 days depending on your specific environment. Also, consider the temperature and humidity level and adjust your schedule accordingly.

Prune

When's a good time to prune this plant? How about deadheading, pinching back, trimming or any other grooming? Any special requirements?

Mulch

Does this plant need to be mulched? Are there specific types of Mulch which are better for this plant? How much?

Protect

When and how should you protect this plant from birds, deer, rabbits? Does this plant need be covered, or wrapped or painted or moved?

Pest/Disease Inspection

What are the common problems this plant will face and when should you look for them to appear?

January
The giant white fly and scale are the two most persistent zygopetalum plant pests with snails and slugs as the principal flower threats. Zygopetalums are relatively resistant to bacterial and fungal diseases. Bacterial and fungal diseases may be a problem under wet and crowded conditions.

Treat for Pest/Disease

How do you treat the common problems for this plant? What products or concoctions or natural means do you use? Any special requirements?

January
Most insects can be controlled by manually cleaning and insecticidal soap.Adequate spacing of plants on the bench and watering early enough in the day so that the plants can dry out before dark is the best prevention of diseases.

Transplant

When's the best time to dig up and transplant this from one spot to another? (This is different than planting). Any special requirements?

Propagate

When's a good time to divide, take cuttings, layer or propagate this plant. Any special requirements?

January
Zygopetalums should be divided and repotted just after the old blooms have fallen off. try to keep divisions with 2 or 3 green bulbs and perhaps one backbulb if you can. Select a pot large enough to allow 3 years growth.Divide plants by breaking apart at the natural divisions. Use a sterilized knife to separate the bulbs.Clean the old potting mix from the roots and remove any dead or damaged roots. Do not clump cleaned roots together. Spread over mix. 1/3 of the bulb shoud be covered with bark. The mix should be tight in the pot.

Harvest

When's a good time to harvest this plant? What's the best way to harvest? Are there special requirements or features?

Special requirements

Any other requirement for this plant? Is there anything that doesn't fit into the other care categories?