Zygopetalum Orchid Care Guide for New Zealand
Zygopetalum orchids come from southern Brazil where they grow on the ground in open woodland, grassy slopes, and meadows at 1300 to 1700 metres. They are tough, fragrant orchids that do well in New Zealand. Many growers treat them like cymbidiums and grow them alongside each other. Zygopetalum orchids suit cooler parts of the country and handle New Zealand winters better than most orchids.
Light Requirements for Zygopetalum Orchids
Zygopetalum orchids need bright light to flower. A healthy plant that does not bloom is usually not getting enough light. The leaves tell the story. Light green leaves mean the light level is right. Yellowish leaves mean too much light. Soft, dark green leaves mean too little.
Grow them in the same spot as cymbidiums. In New Zealand, a shaded north-facing position works well. Protect from direct midday sun in summer (November to February) but give full morning and afternoon light.
Temperature for Zygopetalum Orchids
Summer day temperatures of 21 to 23 degrees Celsius suit Zygopetalum orchids. Summer nights should sit around 13 to 14 degrees Celsius. A drop of 8 to 9 degrees between day and night is normal and good for the plant.
In winter, day temperatures of around 16 degrees Celsius and nights of 8 to 9 degrees Celsius are fine. These orchids tolerate temperatures close to freezing for short periods but do better if kept above 5 degrees Celsius. Short spells of warmer weather in summer do no harm.
Watering Zygopetalum Orchids
Water Zygopetalum orchids regularly during the growing season from September to March. Keep the potting mix evenly moist but never waterlogged. Good drainage is essential.
From late autumn (April) into winter, reduce watering gradually. Let the mix become slightly dry between waterings. Do not let the plant dry out completely at any time of year.
Humidity for Zygopetalum Orchids
Aim for around 80 percent humidity during the growing season. In winter and early spring (July to September), humidity around 75 percent is fine. Good air movement around the plant helps prevent fungal problems. Indoors, place pots on trays of gravel partly filled with water.
Fertiliser for Zygopetalum Orchids
Feed your Zygopetalum orchid once a week all year round with Superthrive Grow 7-9-5 or Superthrive Orchid-Pro 7-8-6. Mix at a rate of 1 mL to 1.5 litres of water.
In winter, the feeding interval gets longer. Wait until the potting mix dries out before feeding again. Flush pots with plain water every few weeks to wash out salt buildup. This is especially important in areas with hard water.
Potting Zygopetalum Orchids
Repot Zygopetalum orchids in spring (September to October) when new growth appears. Use a free-draining mix of bark, perlite, and sphagnum moss. Kiwi Orchid Bark and Bio Leaf Premium Orchid Potting Mix work well and are available from Bio Leaf.
Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one. Zygopetalum orchids do not like being overpotted. Position the new growth toward the centre of the pot so the plant has room to grow. Keep shaded and slightly drier at the roots for a few weeks after repotting until new roots establish.
Winter Rest Period for Zygopetalum Orchids
Zygopetalum orchids need a cooler, drier rest period through winter (June to August). Reduce watering so the mix dries slightly between waterings. Cut back on fertiliser or stop altogether until watering increases again in spring. Heavy dews and natural moisture in the air help keep roots from drying out completely during this time.
Learn More About Zygopetalum Orchids
If they would like to learn more about growing orchids, think about coming to the next NZOS meeting. Meetings are a good place to see well-grown Zygopetalum orchids, ask questions, and learn simple growing habits that work in New Zealand.
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