Botanical genus belonging to the Orchidaceae family, described by William Jackson Hooker in 1833, Zygopetalum includes species such as Zygopetalum brachypetalum, Zygopetalum crinitum, Zygopetalum ghillanyi, Zygopetalum graminifolium, Zygopetalum maculatum, Zygopetalum maxillare, Zygopetalum microphytum, Zygopetalum pabstii, Zygopetalum pedicellatum, Zygopetalum reginae, Zygopetalum sellowii , Zygopetalum silvanum, Zygopetalum syncoranum, Zygopetalum triste.

Zygopetalum inhabits humid forests at low and medium altitudes in South America, especially Brazil. Most of the species of the genus are epiphytes, but terrestrial taxa are also known, with glossy, folded leaves, which present oblong, elliptical, lanceolate, acute or apically acuminate shapes. It exhibits robust growth, with conical - ovoid pseudobulbs, which lose their leaves in the dormant season. They produce erect flower stalks, about 60 cm long, racemes, which bear from a few to relatively many flowers. The stems are inserted laterally on the pseudobulbs, and their length exceeds that of the leaves. The prominent bracts are equal to the length of the ovary. The species of the genus Zygopetalum are particularly noted and appreciated by collectors for their fragrant, waxy and long-lasting flowers, which appear several times a year and show a spectacular color that varies from white, green, purple, dark purple, burgundy and dark pink, with various patterns of spots of variable sizes.

The light required for the successful growth of these species should not exceed 30,000 lux, being ideally represented by 70% shade, which is why many enthusiasts who cannot provide superior natural light conditions prefer this species, which can be successfully grown in of apartment. An exception in this sense is made in the winter season, when, on sunny days, the plants tolerate higher values ​​of the light intensity, because the overheating of the leaves does not pose a risk, due to the low temperatures.

The ideal growing temperature is in the intermediate to moderate spectrum, plants being able to effectively tolerate minimum temperatures of 3-5 ℃ and maximum temperatures of 32 ℃. The optimal growing range will be between 16-24℃ during the day and minimum 14℃ for night temperatures.

The species of the Zygopetalum genus are moisture-loving , requiring a minimum of 60% relative atmospheric humidity, the higher values ​​being categorically beneficial. It is necessary to ensure efficient ventilation of the culture areas, as moist and unhomogenized air can facilitate the installation of fungal diseases.

However, Zygopetalum hybrids will be much more tolerant - the hybridization process aims to obtain plants that are easy to acclimatize, but also more spectacular flowers that present characteristics considered superior (flower size, color, fragrance, etc.).

Plastic and ceramic pots are recommended as culture containers, which will have dimensions slightly larger than those of the root system of the plants. The cultivation medium will be represented by a mixture of low-caliber bark, sphagnum moss, perlite, and other materials that ensure high water retention while also preventing its stagnation.

The pots will be changed only when needed, most often once every 2 years. Irrigation will be carried out periodically, every 3-5 days in the hot season and 5-7 days outside of it, but the best method is to adapt the irrigation scheme to the needs of the plant, which may vary depending on the period and microclimate. It is recommended to allow the strong drying of the substrate before making a new irrigation.

Fertilization will be carried out every 2-3 weeks during the growth period, with a dilution of 50% - 25% of the concentration recommended by the manufacturer. They can be administered both radicularly and foliarly, ideally by alternating methods. Fertilizers with a balanced NPK formula are indicated. Foliar fertilization will only be applied if very good ventilation of the culture space is possible.

Although the Zygopetalum species do not require a well-defined rest period , it is recommended to grow them outdoors at the beginning of May, especially if problems regarding the success of flowering have previously been noticed. A location protected from rain, wind and direct sun will be chosen.

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