About
An evergreen, epiphytic orchid suited for growing in a cool or intermediate greenhouse. It has narrowly oval, ribbed leaves and produces long-lasting sprays of scented flowers on long spikes; flowers are mottled a dark reddish-brown and green and have a broad, white, velvety lip heavily marked and streaked with purple.
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 typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-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 usesPatio and container plants
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationBest grown at temperatures of around 21-26°C in the day and 10-15°C 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 watering during the 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