About
This evergreen, epiphytic orchid with shining, upright, lance-shaped leaves and long-lasting sprays of scented flowers on long stems. Flowers have five green, radiating petals marked with variable amounts of dark red spotting, and a broad purple lip with a white edge.
About the genus
Zygopetalum consists of around 14 species of orchid, native to the humid forests of South America and Brazil. They are known for their scented, waxy flowers. These long-lived blooms can be patterned in hues of green, purple, burgundy and raspberry.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesContainers, conservatories, houseplants.
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationBest grown at temperatures of around 21C-26C in the day and 10C-15C at night. Ensure adequate light levels, but avoid direct sunlight. Water thoroughly when the growing medium is almost dry and allow to drain; allow to dry out between waterings in winter. Fertilise regularly and re-pot after flowering when pot bound using a suitable orchid compost. See indoor orchid cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division; remove and replant old pseudobulbs when repotting in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite, slugs and mealybugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free