Zygopetalum spp. - Hybrid Zygo Orchid

Zygopetalum Orchids - or Zygo Orchids for short - have striking green-and-purple flowers that really stand out in any collection, bringing the aesthetic of the tropical jungle into your home. Different species and varieties are marked out by slight differences in their flowers, so once your orchid blooms, you may be able to tell which specific plant you have! The scented blooms tend to last for several weeks with the right care, so you'll be able to enjoy these flowers for a while once they bloom. This listing is for those we have received whose flowers are still budding, so we can't always tell the exact cultivar. To keep it happy, keep this orchid in above-average humidity and bright, indirect light - and it will reward you with its funky flowers and verdant foliage.

Important Note We try to identify the species of these orchids but please note that we are doing this by eye and comparing the plants we have in the shop to photos online. This listing is for plants whose species we have not been able to identify, usually when they have arrived to us in bud. The orchids might arrive with the flowers open or closed. 

Scientific Name
Zygopetalum spp. (yoked-petal plant, species unknown)

This Genus name was first published in 1827. Many species and hybrids in this genus have been grown as houseplants; we aren't sure which this is as it arrived to us with its flowers shut!

Common Name
Zygopetalum Orchid, Zygo Orchid, Purple Orchid

Origin
Tropical rainforests of Central and South America, including Brazil and Peru.

Light
Prefers plenty of indirect light - out of harsh direct sun but still light enough to read a newspaper without extra lighting. When it's dormant in autumn and winter, move it to somewhere slightly brighter to get a bit of morning sun. Avoid any stronger midday sun as this will scorch the leaves.

Water
Keep the medium consistently moist but not soggy. Water thoroughly when the top third of the substrate starts to dry, or when it feels light when you lift the pot. Reduce watering in autumn and winter when the plant will not be growing. Avoid using cold water, which can shock the plant.

Humidity
Thrives in high humidity, ideally between 50-70%. Using a pebble tray can help maintain the needed humidity, especially during dry months. Avoid misting directly on blooms.

Soil
Requires a well-draining, airy medium, such as an Orchid mix, or one made with bark and perlite. Repot every 3-4 years as the plant grows; repotting at this frequency will mean it stays a little potbound and is more likely to flower.

Food
Feed every month during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble orchid fertiliser. You can supplement this with a foliar feed (one designed to be sprayed straight onto orchid leaves) to give it a boost in Spring, too. Reduce feeding to every six weeks in autumn and winter.

Temperature
Ideal temperatures range between 15-24°C during the day and 12-16°C at night. This orchid can tolerate slight temperature drops at night, which may encourage blooming.

Pet-Safe
Yes; Zygo Orchids are considered non-toxic, though it won't be great for the plant or your furry friend if they eat the whole lot!

Sprouts Top Tips
Zygopetalum orchids benefit from cooler night temperatures, which help trigger blooms. Monitor for common orchid issues like leaf spots (indicating high humidity with poor airflow) or yellowing leaves (if this is paired with soggy soil or squishy stems, it may be overwatering leading to root rot).