Zygopetalum

A plant native to Brazil. The name derives from the Greek words "zigon" - to join, pair and "petalon" - petals, referring to the structure of the flower, whose petals are fused at the base.

The growth habit is sympodial. The genus includes more than 20 species. These are epiphytic or terrestrial plants, less often lithophytic, with swollen pseudobulbs, long folded leaves and lateral inflorescences bearing from one to ten rather large brownish-green flowers with a white-violet lip. Natural habitat - humid Brazilian forests at an altitude of 1500 m above sea level.

Location: general temperature range from +13 to +24 °C. Optimal summer temperatures are +20 to +23 °C by day, +15 to +18 °C at night. In winter on average about 4 degrees lower. Lighting in the summer period is partial shade or diffused light, which they are accustomed to in their native habitat. However, in winter a more abundant light supply is necessary.

Lighting: diffused sunlight, partial shade.

Watering: During the growth period the substrate should be kept consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging. In winter, during dormancy, water only after the substrate has dried.

Air humidity: between 40-60%. At high temperatures it is desirable to increase humidity to 60-80%, which can be achieved by frequent spraying around the plant and onto the surface of the substrate.

Care: feeding is necessary from spring to autumn regularly, on average every third watering (or every 2 weeks) with a weak solution of liquid complete flowering fertilizer. In winter reduce to once a month.

Propagation: by division. When dividing, leave at least three older pseudobulbs, which are planted into a separate pot.

Repotting: on average every 2 years in spring. If necessary, repot as soon as the shoots begin to grow. But if inflorescences with buds appear at the same time as young shoots, postpone repotting until after flowering.

Substrate: bark, moss, fern roots, coarse peat. It is better to place larger-fraction bark at the bottom of the pot, reducing the particle size slightly as you fill.