Zygopetalum maculatum - Zygo Orchid
Sprouts of BristolZygopetalum maculatum is a captivating orchid species native to Brazil, celebrated for its striking, spotted flowers and rich fragrance. This species thrives in humid, tropical environments and is a perfect choice for orchid enthusiasts seeking a plant that combines beauty and aromatic allure. With its stunning contrast of pale green and purple markings on the flowers, it creates an eye-catching display when in bloom. Like other members of the Zygopetalum genus, maculatum prefers bright, indirect light and a careful watering routine, making it an ideal specimen for experienced orchid growers and those willing to meet its specific care needs.
Important Note We have tried to identify these orchids but please note that we are doing this by eye and comparing the plants we have in the shop to photos online. The orchids might arrive with the flowers open or closed.
Scientific Name
Zygopetalum maculatum
The genus name Zygopetalum derives from the Greek words zygos (yoke) and petalon (petal), referring to the distinctive shape of the flower’s lip. The species name maculatum comes from the Latin macula, meaning “spot” or “stain,” referring to the characteristic spots or markings on the flower.
Zygopetalum maculatum is a species native to the Brazilian rainforest. It was first described by the German botanist Carl Ludwig Blume in the 19th century. Its striking flowers, which feature deep, dark markings on a pale green or yellow background, are one of the key features that make this species a popular choice among orchid enthusiasts. The species name maculatum refers to the characteristic spotted pattern on the flowers, which distinguishes it from other Zygopetalum species.
Common Name
Spotted Zygopetalum, Zygo Orchid
Origin
Native to Brazil.
Light
Zygopetalum maculatum prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, so place it in a location with filtered light or behind a sheer curtain. It thrives in a well-lit, but not overly sunny, position.
Water
Water regularly but ensure the soil is well-draining. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. This species prefers slightly drier conditions between waterings compared to some other orchids, so avoid letting it sit in water.
Humidity
It enjoys moderate to high humidity levels (50-70%). A humidity tray or room humidifier can help maintain these conditions, especially during winter when indoor air tends to be drier.
Soil
Plant in a well-draining orchid mix, such as one designed specifically for orchids, containing bark, perlite, and sphagnum moss. This ensures good root ventilation and prevents rot.
Food
Feed monthly with a balanced orchid fertiliser during the growing season (spring through summer). Reduce feeding in the winter when the plant’s growth slows.
Temperature
This species does best in warm temperatures ranging from 18°C to 24°C. It should not be exposed to temperatures below 13°C, as it is sensitive to cold drafts.
Pet-Safe
Orchids are typically non-toxic to pets, but it is advisable to keep them out of reach to prevent chewing.
Sprouts Top Tips:
• Flowering: Zygopetalum maculatum blooms in late winter or early spring, often producing fragrant flowers. Avoid disturbing the plant during this time to encourage blooming.
• Repotting: Repot every 2–3 years, typically in spring, to refresh the growing medium and allow the roots to expand.
Did You Know?
The dark spots on the flowers of Zygopetalum maculatum help attract pollinators in its native environment. These striking flowers are also known for their fragrance, which is especially prominent during the blooming period.
Important Information
If you have any questions, please check out the below or get in touch via our contact formWe're devoted to sending our customers quality plants with the best service around. Every plant is backed by our 7-day guarantee, so they arrive in good health.
Our team takes extra steps when prepping plants for transportation, but they're still sensitive to changes, so there may be minor cosmetic issues. We always aim to photograph and disclose any flaws before shipping, but a living creature travelling across the country in a box can take a hot minute to adjust to its new life.
If you have any issues within 7 days of receiving your order, holler at our customer support team on our contact form with your order details and some pics of the issue. After the guarantee has expired, though, we can't refund as we can't guarantee care and environmental factors. If you repot the plant during the 7 days, the guarantee is void.
We have been sending plants up and down the country for many year now and we like to think we have our way down to an art.
We protect the plant from falling out of the soil with tissue paper and tape if needed, then we wrap the plant in corrugated cardboard, and sometimes we protect the leaves with extra tissue paper if required. This is then placed into a box and if there is any empty space, we fill this with void fill to stop the plants moving around inside the box. Sometimes we will write a note on your packing slip to water the plant on arrival, so please look out for this. This is due a freshly watered plant going in a box will not only be soggy, but as the plant is in darkness this can sometimes make the plant unhappy when just freshly watered.
If your plant arrives to you unhappy, please send us a photo of the plant and packaging if relevant straight away, so we can advise you.
Online orders are packed and dispatched within a few days. Usually depending on volumes, we aim to get your order dispatched within 1 working day. We have collections from Royal Mail 6 days a week so deliveries tend to be speedy.
Our standard parcel delivery service is £4.99 for Royal Mail Tracked48, you can upgrade to Tracked24 for £2.50.
We do offer a Tracked48 Large Letter option for £2.99, and Tracked24 for £1 extra, but this only applies to products less than 2.5cm thick.
*Deliveries 7 days a week only included Tracked24 parcels.
Link to your shipping policy
We get a lot of boxes, packaging and whatnot at Sprouts from all our various supplier's deliveries. We re-use this packaging material where possible, plus we take in donations from local businesses and customers to our shop to avoid excess packaging going to landfill. Sometimes your delivery might look a little different, or come in a branded box from another company, but rest assured the items inside are carefully packed with love and attention inside. We use paper tape and all our branded materials included are fully recyclable. Sometimes we use polystyrene, bubble wrap or plastic wrap in the packaging, all these items are not new and where possible, please use them again.
We have partnered with Zedify to offer low-carbon deliveries in Central Bristol for £6.99.
Zedify collect and deliver orders from us Monday - Friday and will usually deliver your order the same day its collected. If you place your order before 11am, we will aim to get it collected the same day but this isnt always possible. When you have received your dispatch email, Zedify should be delivering your order the same day, anytime before 6pm.
We cannot give an idea of time, but if you would prefer delivery on a certain date (Monday - Friday) please get in touch or leave a note at check out with your preferred delivery date and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
Zedify deliver to the following postcodes BS1, BS2, BS3, BS4, BS5, BS6, BS7, BS8 (1, 2, 3A - 3N, 4), BS9 (1,3,4).
Select click and collect at checkout to collect your order from our Bristol shop.
You will get an email when your order is ready to collect, where possible please come and collect your order the same day as we have limited space. If you are going to collect your order at a later date, please let us know in the message box at check out so we know when to expect you. Some items such as gift sets, kits and pre-order items may not be ready to collect the same day, again please let us know what day you would like to collect and we will let you know if there's any issues.
We do not offer free returns, but if you are unhappy with your delivery, please get in touch. If your parcel or order has been damaged, please take photos and send these over to our team so we can look into this for you.
If you have ordered an item and you would like to exchange it, we should be able to do this for you. There may be an extra charge for delivery, but get in touch to discuss. For plants there is a 7 day return policy and 30 days for everything else, apart from sale items which are none returnable.
You can return or exchange in our Bristol shop for free.
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