Zygopetalum maculatum - Zygo Orchid

As its Latin name suggests, this Zygo Orchid's petals are covered in dotty patterns! Its lower petal, which serves as a kind of insect runway for its pollinators in the wild, is bright purple with white on the edge, and the central opening of the plant is surrounded by green petals speckled with the purple dots that give the plant its scientific name. Its long, mid-green leaves reach as tall as the flower spikes and sprout from 'pseudobulbs', the part of the plant that stores extra water for this orchid. Add a touch of the rainforest to your home with the lush, tropical foliage and distinctive flowers of this unusual orchid. The scented blooms can last several weeks in the right conditions, so take care of this plant and it'll keep adding colour to your surroundings.

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 (yoked-petal plant with spots)

Synonyms: Maxillaria maculata, Broughtonia maculata, Dendrobium maculatum

This species was identified as variously part of the Dendrobium, Broughtonia and Maxillaria genuses, but the current classification is Zygopetalum thanks to a 1970 paper. A subspecies of this orchid (Z. maculatum subsp. maculatum) was initially identified as Zygopetalum mackayi, named for botanist John MacKay, but was reclassified under this species when it became clear it was not a distinct species.

Common Name
Zygopetalum Orchid, Zygo Orchid, Purple Orchid, Spotted Cat of the Mountain, Spotted Zygopetalum

Origin
Native to flat, semi-boggy and wet areas in Peru, Bolivia and 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. During its autumn and winter dormancy period, it will benefit from an hour or two of weak morning sunlight.

Water
Water regularly but ensure the water can drain away after each water. Allow the top third of the soil to dry out between waters. This species prefers slightly drier conditions between waterings compared to some other orchids, so avoid letting it sit in water.

Humidity
Enjoys moderate to high humidity levels (50-70%). A humidity tray or room humidifier can help maintain these conditions, especially during winter when operating heating systems can dry the air.

Soil
Plant in a well-draining orchid mix, such as one containing bark, perlite, and coir. This ensures good root ventilation and prevents rot. 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 monthly with a balanced orchid fertiliser during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce feeding in the winter when the plant’s growth slows. You can supplement this with a foliar orchid feed in Spring but make sure not to overdo it and keep an eye on the instructions for your specific fertiliser.

Temperature
This species does best in warm temperatures ranging from 18-24°C. It should not be exposed to temperatures below 13°C, as it is sensitive to cold draughts.

Pet-Safe
Yes; orchids are typically non-toxic to pets, but it is best for pets and plant to keep them out of reach and 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. It will also benefit from having a dormancy period in autumn and winter, with lower temperatures, less fertilising and some weak sunlight being introduced.

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, prominent when they are in bloom.