#CareCollab

[@nicoleallen3079]

I feel that I learn more in this kind of teaching style. I like hearing where the failures happened and what you did to change it. I feel like I could try my hand at one if I do my research to find the hybrid that will work in my environment. I think I need to watch the repot on them again too. Thank you so much Roger!! I’m off to the orchid greenhouse with my mom tomorrow! I’m so excited!

[@laurafedora5385]

I’ve got a Zygo Advance Australia in my office and it’s doing well! Blooms are long lasting, lovely fragrance. That might be one to try

[@nicoleallen3079]

@@laurafedora5385, thank you so much!!!! I have it on my list now.

[@doriscrutcher1767]

)@@laurafedora5385

[@thepeacemaker3584]

Im binging on your videos today. Love them so much. Have a great day!!

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

Thanks.

[@TrishsOrchidLife]

I have mine in Sphagnum moss with perlite and it is thriving better than anything else I have tried. But as you stated, it is dependent on environment.

[@simplyorchidsetc.2]

Hi Roger great video you were very imformitive with your care tips. Thank you for sharing your imput on the zygopetalum. I'm planning to get zygopetalum in the future. Have a wonderful weekend stay safe and happy growing : ) Reah

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

Thanks.

[@hermiea6854]

I learned how to repot my first zygo from your video in August. Since it survived after repot, I was brave enough to purchase another one and followed your instruction again, so both of them are doing great. I learned so much from all your videos. Thank you.

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

You're welcome.

[@sylviekostrzewski2785]

I don’t have any but after all these useful informations, I feel like trying one…

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

Always try and get one that already has good roots.

[@darcylyon1870]

I have 2 and 1 is in spike. Thanks to you and others sharing their collective knowledge here on KZbin I didn't have to do what you did. I have been successful from the jump with zygos. Thank you Roger for sharing you journey and what you've learned so the rest of us can do better. 🤗😸👏🌞⚘🍀🌸

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

I think that when I first looked up some details, I must have stumbled on a true epiphyte and that's where I was going wrong. But the timing of any repotting seems to be the main factor.

[@patrickbowen5398]

I have (1) Zygopetalum, and one on the way. I found this video answered alot of my questions about this very fussy and finicky orchid. I have not found them "Easy" to grow in the least, not inside a home anyhow. But Roger, I thank you immensely for making this video as it helped me alot and hopefully I will perhaps add a few more Zygopetalum to my collection.

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

I'd like to get a few species but after brexit in the UK, that's almost impossible.

[@SlMPATICA]

"i was gonna say it went downhill fast. I think it fell off the cliff basically" AHAH! Very explanatory! :-D

[@blurobin1]

Awesome video as always Roger! Truly enjoying them and learning a lot

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

Thanks.

[@monicagabay5497]

This is a very helpful video, thank you, Roger!

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

You're welcome.

[@pipmacauley5670]

Fantastic information about Zygos, Rodger. I might try some next time I get the chance. Good to know about the media. I can see that is critical.

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

In the main, these are not epiphytes - that's what dictates the media.

[@SHARONSHORTOrchidsandGarden]

I absolutely agree. Happy growing.

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

I'm just so pleased to have got those few vital tips - otherwise, after all those deaths, I would not have any at all. It's good to share.

[@AttainableGreen]

Looks like those zygos are doing much better and you’re having more success with the new way of doing things! Thanks for sharing your insight! 😁

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

Most of that info came from someone else - just passing it on.

[@liverocks62]

Enjoyed the video Roger. So far I have seen 4 videos, everybody is warning about not disturbing the roots, I have 2 year experience growing zygos, which is not long but I came to the same conclusion.

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

Zygos may be a good candidate for rock-wool - inorganic, so doesn't break down, holds moisture and would allow the roots to go undisturbed for many many years.

[@liverocks62]

@@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai that is an excellent idea, I like the inorganic aspect of it and it should be easy to remove the media off the roots when repotting, thanks for the tip. 👍🏼😃

[@mountainshamanscloudorchid354]

Great presentation!! the best care tips always comes from experience!!

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

Thanks.

[@michaelmccarthy4077]

They grow amazingly well in sphagnum moss but I don't recommend having it fluffy, pack it in. Why? If you pack it down, it doesn't hold as much water as loose and fluffy so it is easier to control the water. Trust me, they do not mind having it packed. It does make repotting a little more complicated (unless, like me, you can take it out and spray with the hose to loosen the moss) but I consider it a minor inconvenience.

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

With the more delicate roots, I'm washing under the tap which has quite high pressure when/if required. It also means I can adjust the temp to lukewarm so as not to blast them with cold water.

[@Kokoro-Hime]

Hi, Michael! Your comment about the sphagnum is interesting. I like the media but it doesn't like me - actually, it's more like I don't know how to work with sphagnum moss. Please, can you share some advice on how to pot up, water, and maintain orchids in sphagnum moss? Thank you!

[@michaelmccarthy4077]

@@Kokoro-Hime how you do with it is going to depend on your climate. Here in south Florida, it is generally hot so it does not stay wet too long. If you are in a cooler climate, you can still be successful with it, the secret is not to drench it, pour a little water on it and let it soak through to moisten it again. It is far easier to add more water than to wait two weeks for a dripping wet pot of sphagnum to dry. And if you can only add a small amount of water, only use feed once for every 4 waterings (one feed, three flush) to prevent nutrient buildup.

[@Kokoro-Hime]

@@michaelmccarthy4077 Thank you very much! I live in Northern California and an indoor grower, it's not too cold or hot but dry. I'll follow on the watering, especially the nutrients. 🙌💜🙏

[@barbaravolpe9821]

Just watched your video as well as Ninja Orchids and I thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. Timing was perfect as I just purchased a Zygo a week or so ago. Had one 5+ years ago which didn’t last long. I’ve learned a lot since then and continue to learn thanks to channels like yours. I am a home grower in the US and I absolutely love Zygopetalums. Both you and Ninja Orchids were singing the praises of Michael McCarthy. Is there somewhere that he shares his knowledge so I could access it as well? He sounds like “the source” for Zygos! Thank you once again!

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

Michael joins in on my Facebook group frequently helping out and posting pics of some of his orchids.

[@renatecormick7399]

I would also like to find out where Michael can be tracked down to, have tried with no success, any help appreciated.

[@duma227]

Very good info Roger. I'm really glad you've now had success with Zygos. I love them and their beautiful spiced-daffodil perfume - and I just managed to get another one (a Zygoneria) hybrid, so I now have 3. My media of choice is tree fern and medium bark - and it seems to be promoting better root systems in my older two Zygos than they had in a bark/moss mix. I agree that they are not shade lovers by and large - rather like Masdevallias - they like quite bright light. Not sure why both genera tend to be labelled as shady types...

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

In the forests, you are 'shaded' but that doesn't take into account the light intensity which can still be bright.

[@duma227]

@@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai yes that’s true. Elevation has something to do with it as well - the sun is stronger at higher elevations.

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

The sun has a lot less of our 'muck' in the air to get through at higher elevations.

[@duma227]

@@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai yes absolutely

[@maureenhauser9423]

That was great now I'm really worried about mine I'll have to keep my eyes on them. Its winter here so I'm doubley worried but I'll see how they come out after winter if I'm still sane thanks roger

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

You're welcome.

[@andreaallum8859]

Thanks for your video vary interesting

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

You're welcome.

[@louisaleroux3484]

Thank you. I now understand exactly how I killed my zygo.(!) There is hope for the future. Stay safe. Regards from France

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

Most of mine died soon after repotting - I hope I've now solved those problems.

[@sandiesorchids9387]

I would love to read that article where can I find it? I would like to try Zygo's now that I believe I now have got my Miltassia figured out.

[@orchidsbythelake]

It was in Rogers Facebook group

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

If you email me, I will reply with it as an attachment.

[@resilience4lyfe331]

@@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai ok, great!

[@carolesykes7955]

Really useful thanks Roger, (and Michael too 😊). It generates 2 questions for me please, one re Zygos and another re other cool growers: *I know you said to cut back on watering in the Winter if temps go down but would you say they need a rest after flowering if new growths have not yet started ? (like some say Den Phals do) and *would you say other cool growers like Odontoglossum and Miltoniopsis would also benefit from higher light and faster metabolism?

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

On a well grown plant, there could be new growths just starting, growths progressing and some in bloom. The reason to reduce watering is because the plant is not growing and to a degree, this applies to all orchids although some types should not dry out completely. Temperature and light levels do not always go hand in hand. Many cooler growers like bright light and some warm growers like heavy shade.

[@laurafedora5385]

I like your longer vids, if you’re a beginner it’s nice to get more info than you think you need vs too little

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

Thanks.

[@kayte13]

Roger, what do think of coco peat with perlite for the Zygo’s ? That was the media mi e were planted in when I purchased them. Also their pseudo bulbs are wrinkled.

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

That can work - but great care will be needed with watering as it can get soggy.

[@kayte13]

@@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai Ah ha I think it is. So I have ordered the coco husks Ty

[@rwhb1]

Which fungicide do you recommend for UK use Roger! Enjoyed another of your videos!

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

Any systemic fungicide that states it's suitable for 'ornamentals' is fine.

[@NinjaOrchids]

Yay, for Michael McCarthy 🙌🏼😀 he has been a game changer for many zygo growers and if I can source others here, locally, I will get more, seeing as mine can occupy outdoor space during the winter, as indoor, is rather limited 😅 thank you for joining in on this Zygo CareCollab, Roger. Very much appreciated 👍🏼 have a fabulous day 🌸

[@michelleslifeonrepeat]

I think he was mentioned in all videos. I planned on mentioning him too,but my migraine brain got away from me. It was a long day the day I filmed. But if you are watching Michael..thank you.

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

I want to try some species but they are going to be very difficult to get now I don't have access to the EU nurseries.

[@dianasluijk-bogdan9701]

Did you get them to bloom under your care?

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

Yes - several times.

[@richardlawton1023]

I have a Zygolum Louisendorf Rein Moonlight....very large...been blooming for 2 weeks. Just started sending up new growth... Should I re pot after blooming or wait till fall cool down? Thanks for the video

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

Zygos need to be repotted very carefully as the roots are fragile and damage easily. Repot when you can see new roots showing.

[@patrickbowen5398]

Hi Roger, I'm sorry to bother you one more time ....but I will now have 2 Zygopetalum in my home, and just found out that apparently these do not make good orchids for in the home - they because of their Temperature and Humidity requirements they should be grown in a Greenhouse. What are your thoughts ?

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

As long as a good root system is maintained, they can do ok in homes - there are many 'out there' with good plants and no greenhouse. Just keep the sun off the leaves but give them bright light plus, don't let them go dry.

[@patrickbowen5398]

@@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai > Roger you're terrific for responding. Once again I thank you for your assistance. I appreciate it a lot.

[@rwhb1]

Mine is in the bathroom with north facing window and seems to be going great guns- if that helps!

[@meggiemarkovska1760]

Hi Is it ok to use soil instead chips and moss? Thank you

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

Possibly??

[@meggiemarkovska1760]

Why question mark after possibly Yes or no pls

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

Google "paphiopedilum growing medium"

[@besottedorchids3605]

Happy 4th of July from the States. Lol Thanksgiving is November

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

Slip of the tongue.

[@kevinli7346]

I think you put the wrong link for the attainable green colab vid

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

Thanks - I've corrected it now.

[@YnseSchaap]

Let's see how lucky I get this time 😁 I killed at least as much as you so that up's my chances

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

Good luck. I'm happy I know what to do but it doesn't mean it will always work.

[@YnseSchaap]

@@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai 😁 Time will tell

[@orchidsbythelake]

I want to count how many times all of us care collabers say michael’s name. 😉

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

For this genus, 'many'. He published a great article on my Facebook group which a lot of people have seen.