ZYGOPETALUM - my learnings after a year of growth!

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

You can see more orchid videos on this playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLQKwmNwb1T5AoQ8ULP0fzpLOJu7RWlw0G

[@michaelmccarthy4077]

Yeah, hybrids are so hard to identify. That might be the one that Inca orchids sells as Trozy Blue. Most of the species Zygo (especially those used in hybrids) are either terrestrial or semi-terrestrial. The thing about them is they come from areas where they really never dry in the wild, they come from areas of very high rainfall. Even those classed as epiphytes are not growing with exposed roots, they are found growing in clumps of moss low on the trees. I never let them dry but, my climate is also a lot warmer (in the summer I keep them sopping wet to offset the heat). The best media, hands down IMO, is coconut husk chips. IME, there are three keys to success with Zygos. 1) keep them wet, they can get drier when it is cooler, but never DRY 2) use the right medium. The roots are terribly fragile. I don't like bark for them for two reasons: it is abrasive so when you repot with it, it damages the roots, where coconut husk and sphagnum are soft; bark also is too "airy", IME they like a tight medium. I pack the husk or sphagnum in firmly. 3) repot at the right time. General rule of thumb on most orchids is to repot when you see new roots.. I find this to be incorrect with Zygos. They should be repotted when a new growth begins but before new roots start, usually when a growth is between 3 and 5 cm as roots will follow shortly after this. And the culture becomes more complicated as you get into the intergenerics: Zygolum, Galeopetalum, Propetalum, Zygoneria, Zygonisia, Zygopabstia, etc. Some need to be cooler, some warmer, some wetter, some drier.

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

Thanks for the detailed comment Michael, very much appreciated. I think you're spot on with the ID - looks just like Trozy Blue to me. Some great tips there too. I potted mine at the right time then, more by accident than by design if I'm honest. I'll get some coconut husk chips for the next re-pot - although it seems to be doing pretty well in the bark for now and I'm not in a rush to repot it. The thing about the words 'wet, moist, dry' and 'warm, cool' and so on is that they can be interpreted in many different ways. Water is wet, right? So one person's 'moist' is another's 'practically dry' or another's 'wet'. Same could be said of 'warm' and 'cool'. A hot day for me is anywhere between 17 to 25 °C. 30°C is practically unbearable. And then there's the issue of what you can see. They can appear bone dry looking into the pot but then the central mass is very damp, yet you don't know unless you empty out the pot. For me, as always, it's about trial, error and vigilance, with an emphasis on the vigilance. And I've never even come across the intergenerics - that's an intriguing project for the future!😃

[@michaelmccarthy4077]

@@Grow_Up_Man55 25 is hot? You Brits. It was 16.5 this morning and I had to put on a sweatshirt and jacket to walk the dogs. It was 22 in the house and I had to turn on the heat. I agree that warm, hot, cool, wet, damp are very subjective. When I use the term wet, I mean the state of the media immediately after a thorough watering, damp is when you can still feel (or see) that there is some remaining moisture, moist falls between the two. Somewhere there is a chart that gives a temperature range for orchids (cold, cool, intermediate, warm, hot). The AOS maybe? Anyway, most of my year you would call "hot", while in orchid growing parlance, we are only "hot" for about four to five months, another four to five are "warm" and the remainder is "intermediate". We sometimes get to "cool", usually no more than a day or two. The species Zygos are mostly cool to intermediate growers but I find they do fine intermediate to warm. They don't do much during the hottest part of the year, I just keep them sopping wet and wait until it cools off for them to start growing again.

[@sharonrichardson6563]

I purchased one last year. So far it's doing well and I appreciate your information. Love the flowers. Thank you.

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

Thanks Sharon and good luck with the Zygo!😃

[@kentofmississippi]

I just got a zygo arthuyr elle "tombstone". I meant to get one a long time ago, but I got into scented phalenopsis for a while. Now that I have a proper greenhouse, I ordered a zygo. I'm so excited for it. I finally get why everyone loves orchids so much.

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

Yeah they're lovely orchids - if somewhat temperamental! 🤷‍♂️

[@lesleyannhartman762]

Thanks for that Geoff, just bought my first Zygo, so this info is very much appreciated 😊

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

My pleasure, Lesley. I hope yours will thrive!🤞

[@orchidgarden3124]

I agree. In my environment, mine dry for the most part between waterings. My 2 are doing great this way. One is in a very small pot with small bark chips and sponge rock and the other is in inorganic media, lava rock, pumice, a bit of seramis and leca. They are doing equally well. I’m growing indoors, so they are not getting as cool as yours. About 68 deg f at night and 75 during the day. In the summer it was up to 80 degrees f during the day, but they didn’t mind with good airflow.

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

Thanks that's really interesting. So it would appear that the actual substance of the potting media isn't that important, providing it has the properties you need. Yours are very much more in line with the 'recommended' temperatures. I'm glad they're thriving for you.😃

[@orchidgarden3124]

@@Grow_Up_Man55 the inorganic media was an experiment and I just repotted it into the same media because it’s put out 8 new growths in less than a year. The roots were great. But, the media is fast draining and pretty airy which is contrary to what the usual recommendations are. It doesn’t mind drying out at all, in fact that’s probably why it’s doing well for me. Interesting!

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

@@orchidgarden3124 Yeah exactly. I still stick by my assertion that the particular combination of growth factors in your own environment can totally contradict any written 'recommendations'. Vigilance and experimentation (as you've proven) are the way to go IMO.

[@swknoell]

I have my first, new Zygo. Your information is appreciated.

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

Thanks and good luck with your Zygo!😃

[@EdsOrchids]

Never had a Zygo Geoff. Enjoyed the video and your teaching skills came in very handy when explaining the cultivation. Ed.

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

Glad you enjoyed it Ed! I'm afraid my teaching skills are somewhat rusty these days...🤷‍♂️

[@user-ic5xu4jh6z]

hi, i got now my first zygopetalum hybrid blue- thats what the pot says- temperature 18-25°C ? I read about cooler after i bought the beauty. I keep her in my plantroom/once our livingroom with high humidity at 24°C and she seems to like it while flowering. After that i will take a look at the roots and maybe repot. Thanks for this vid👌

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

Yes I think at night they'll go down to around 10°C but will prefer to back up again during the day.

[@user-ic5xu4jh6z]

@@Grow_Up_Man55 at the moment i can give her about 20°C at night, so it's a difference. Really important for keeping Zygopetalum alive is the absolutely right moment for repotting while growing roots and never touching the sensitive roots wich die easaly. To keep her unders conditions for growing well is also important. Best regards from austria!

[@patrickbowen5398]

Thank you for this video. I have 2 Zygopetalum, and I'm determined to grow and bloom them in my home (not in a greenhouse). So, I found your tips to be informative and invaluable and I plan on following some of your tips indeed (Clear plastic pots) for one. So I'll keep you posted. Thank you again.

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

Glad you found it useful Patrick! I'm sure you'll have success in a house - not as many extremes to deal with - although light could be an issue. I wish you the very best of luck - as they're gorgeous orchids! I could really do with another...🤷‍♂️

[@patrickbowen5398]

@@Grow_Up_Man55 Can you tell me what the mix is made up of for this Zygopetalum?

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

Mine is bark, perlite and sphagnum - although I've heard on good authority that they prefer a more moisture retentive mix, and that coconut husks and sphagnum could work well.

[@patrickbowen5398]

@@Grow_Up_Man55 >Yes, a number of growers are using Coconut husks, bark and perlite for their Zygo's. Mine are new and not due for repotting, but I will use that mix when it comes time. Roger's Orchids had a video where Roger used that mixture on his Zygo's (that he didn't kill).

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

@@patrickbowen5398 We always have to be careful with recommendations of media choice because (and apologies if I'm stating the obvious to you here) it depends so very much on the microclimate of the plant, watering habits, the current growth stage and a whole host of other factors. What's right for me with my plant, in the position it's in and the stage of growth it's at might be different than yours. We've got to take the response of the plant as the yardstick.

[@daisyflower4105]

I have my Jumping Jack growing outside on my balcony in Sydney. It can get down to 7 degrees. It’s growing well. (Celsius)

[@yolyrom7233]

Absolutely beautiful! I find that they are kinda easy to grow. I’m getting bored with regular Phals, that’s why I’m more interested in these. Thank you for sharing.

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

Lucky you!😁 I only have one plant and it hasn't bloomed for a couple of years - but is looking primed for this year!🤞

[@MM0SDK]

Just picked up a Zygopetalum, Miltoniopsis, Odontoglossum and finally Dendrobium from Tesco of all places this week over 2 trips. The Zygo (nowhere near as nice as yours) and Dendrobium were discounted in a sorry state so lets hope. Only ever see Dendronium Nobile, Phalaenopsis and mini's in there, so quite surprised. As i only started growing Orchids last year, they were very welcome.

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

Wow that’s quite a haul from a supermarket! I’ve never ever seen anything other than nobiles and Phals. I wonder why the variety all of a sudden?

[@MM0SDK]

@@Grow_Up_Man55 I have no idea. I couldn't believe it when i seen them. I only paid £1.75 each, discounted price for the Dendrobium and Zygo. About a quarter of the roots had to go on the Zygo - just mush.

[@purplethumb7887]

I've recently acquired a couple of Zygos that I'm completely in love with. I believe they are Zygo Redvale 'Pretty Ann' (purple-and-white lip) and Zygo Louisendorf 'Rhein Moonlight' (stunning large maroon flowers). Very thorough and informative video. Thank you.

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

Thanks - glad you found it useful. They are gorgeous orchids if a little temperamental at times. Good luck with yours.

[@anndebaldo7381]

Thanks~ Excellent video. I agree that conditions can vary widely depending up the situation so no hard and fast rules!

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

Thanks Ann I appreciate that! 😀

[@underwaterrod]

Thanks for this video that is very useful. I leave not too far southern so will come very handy. I do not have a greenhouse but keep the "cool" growers in the conservatory that has a temp variation between 13 and 20 degrees C. The Zygopetalum Trozy Blue is very slow for me and what looks like a new spike started growing in September and is only an inch long now...I hope moving it to a warmer place will benefit. Thanks for the advices.

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

My pleasure Rodolfo. For me, keeping it above 17°C certainly helped speed things up. Can totally depend on the other environmental factors too though. Good luck with yours!😃

[@PlantBasics]

My Zygo also bloomed a few months ago. I just love the smell :) Liked your video and subscribed! Corbin

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

Thanks for subbing! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Zygos are great aren't they? I wish all plants were scented.

[@carolynprivitera1505]

Just got my first Zygo today. A Zygopabstia Dragon Kitten "patches" x Zygonisia Cyanosure "blue bird" Will be growing in my home. Wish me luck ! Thanks for your video 😊

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

I'm sure it'll be fab! The best of luck to you. 😀

[@alan_mythicalgnome]

I appreciated the advice on Zygopetalum culture in the North of England,as I am in the Manchester area myself. I couldn't believe my luck when I found a Zyopetalum in Tesco. So I'm not sure of its variety. I'm reliant on window culture as I don't have a greenhouse. Winter temperatures are between 55 f and 65 f minimum.I have various orchid types. Phalaenopsis flower in these winter temps. So it must be warm enough for them. I haven't completed a full winter with the Zygopetalum.So next winter will be a challenge.

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

Yeah more and more previously 'rare' orchids are coming into the local shops. Bent's garden centre (which I'm sure you're familiar with) has several orchids for sale - all differing genera. Window culture is fine - greenhouses aren't great places for many intermediate to warm growing plants without spending a lot on insulation and heating - like I do!

[@alan_mythicalgnome]

@@Grow_Up_Man55 Yes. I have heard of Bent's Garden centre. I didn't know they sold different genera orchids though. I most certainly will be checking those out!! I did grow orchids in the greenhouse back home at my late Mum and Dad's. The fluctuating temperatures meant that I learned how to kill most of them off rather than grow them. They respond better to windowsill culture or rather I do.

[@nicolewildman8976]

Hello, I'm a new subscriber. Greetings from the southern Caribbean. I just got my first zygopetalum and I'm not quite sure how to care for them especially in my hot climate. Thanks so much for the helpful tips.

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

Welcome Nicole - I'm already jealous of your climate! I know people who grow Zygos very successfully in Florida so it shows it's possible in a hot climate. I'm glad you found the video useful.

[@mareikedaubert1139]

Hi, thank you for the video. I am trying my hand at my first Zygopetalum. (Which I got from Aldi today of all places...😂).

[@sindy2015]

This video was so helpful thank you!! I bought my Zygopetalum two years ago at the grocery store and it hasn't rebloomed for me. I actually almost killed it, it lost all of its leaves and it would try to grow new off shoots but would end up rooting. Now I know how to take care of it better, it has 3 two inch babies and I can see 7 other ones trying to grow from the older bulbs. I'm just really hoping that it reblooms but if it doesn't this year I will feel better just having it grow and actually have leaves again.

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

Really glad it was helpful, Sindy. Sounds like you're on the right track with it. 😀

[@angelacarton3122]

Thanks for that information Geoff it was useful. I also grow in the north of England and have 3 Zygos, 2 are in rock wool and 1 in rock wool and bark mix. The rock wool holds a lot of water so only gets watered about every month at the moment. The roots seem to like it but very slow growing and no blooms since I bought them at the NEOS show in June 2019 but still hopeful.

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

Glad you found it useful Angela and greetings from Wigan! I'm a member of NEOS so I've probably seen you at some point. Although I don't know when the next show will be with all this virus stuff going on. 🙁 From what others have said in the comments, it looks like it'll grow in anything so long as you get the watering adjusted accordingly. From what I've seen at the shows, the plants for sale are very often a few years off flowering size, that's why I stopped buying them from there. I don't know if that's your issue?

[@cherylpenn4509]

Is that a Frangipani that you have next to it??? Way to go. Lovely video thank you

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

Yeah I’ve got two different hybrids. Jury is if I’ll stick with them as I’ve had them a few years and still no blooms!

[@adrianeadams8326]

Thank you for the video. I currently grow in South Florida but the majority of my orchids are grown in my home. Sounds counter intuitive but trips, mealy bugs and other tropical bugs love orchids. I’m hoping to grow the zygo I just purchased but seeing as I have killed multiple Milton oops is, I hoping for better luck with the zygo.

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

Yeah so far for me my orchids have stayed fairly pest-free (hope I'm not tempting fate!) apart from the odd bit of scale. I too have killed several Miltoniopsis - I wondered if it was down to the fluctuating temps I get as many people seem to do OK with them by a cool window in the house. Perhaps for you it's just too hot for them. I know a guy from Florida who specialises in Zygos so it's definitely doable in your area. Good luck!

[@lorapoynter9162]

That was a nice lunch break for me, thanks. Some of the zygos start a new growth and throw spikes when the growth is at about 25%, a bit of a surprise to see 'things' poking out of an immature growth. Makes it difficult to stake, too. My window monster dose that, still have not re potted it, need to check my supplies cause it's going to take a lot. It grows very happily in medium bark, sponge rock and leca in a slotted pot set inside of a larger clay 'wet' pot on my kitchen window sill. Around here, coir is the kiss of death, either in the greenhouse or on the window sill. It's all a matter of knowing your environment, your watering patterns and getting a good plant to start with. So, you want a differential feeding study?????

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

Glad you enjoyed it Lora! 😀 It's funny regarding media for Zygos - and probably all other orchids - in that so far in the comments the media used for subscribers' Zygos has quite a varied spread, and everyone swears by their particular choice. I guess it only proves again that environment is the most determining factor, along with watering habits of course. And yeah we definitely need a study into feeding orchids. There seems to be practically nothing other than the MSU stuff and that was done when Adam was a lad. I don't know what type of study (my 'expertise' - such as it is, only goes up 11 year olds!) but we want a large sample size, and all variables keeping the same other than one group getting orchid feed and one group not. Although I guess the question then becomes a matter of dose size! Maybe someone will do it one day and solve the feeding questions once and for all. But until they do, I'll hedge my bets and continue giving the whole lot of them the same 200 ppm of Rain Mix! 😬

[@lorapoynter9162]

@@Grow_Up_Man55 Lunch time again:) I found I have an amazing ability to fritter away my day if I don't self limit internet time. Some of that work has been done by the hybridizers and growers and there are charts available for commercial production. Those conditions don't necessarily apply to home growers. That being said, most of the complex oncidium intergenerics are fertilized between 300-350ppm with something similar to your Rain Mix.This is what we use as a constant feed for production. hort.purdue.edu/hort/facilities/downloads/Fert.pdf I flush every 5th feed, no need for cal-mag and I can take a freshly planted Sharry Baby type from freshly planted plug to spike in 14 months. That wont apply to zygos or vandas or cattleyas.Though I have been playing with cattleyas at 300ppm, and the results have been pretty good. Hybrids are putting up 3 growths per year with nice succession, the species seedlings are breaking into multi leads at a very small size. I am having a problem with floppy potinaras, they may need less fertilizer or a dose of cal-mag, will work with them and see. Now, with that small book, I would not change what you are doing or feeding. You are tuning in your greenhouse very nicely, your zygo is doing great and you have a fantastic floral display in addition to your orchids. Oh, congratulations on the miltoniopsis spike! I can't keep them alive in my greenhouse, they have to live in the kitchen window.

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

😂Haha I guess if that's the case then KZbin is doing its job on you! I'm flushing similar to your frequency, and don't use cal/mag any more as the Rain Mix info states there's no need to. I only have one vanda and it's never bloomed - maybe needs more in the way of feed then, similar story with my cattleyas. And even better news with the Miltoniopsis - it now has 3 spikes! Just hoping they follow through so I get chance to boast! 🤣(Although that may be the kiss of death!)

[@lorapoynter9162]

@@Grow_Up_Man55 Ohh, I went poking around to see where a channel might fit, was quite surprised as to what constitutes "content". Vanda !!!with 80%+ humidity!!! can go to 600. Hooray for the Miltoniopsis! My rozellii var xanthiana decided to join in the celebration :)

[@anamourao2983]

Really enjoyed this video. I think is zygo adelaide. Thank you for sharing.

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

Glad you enjoyed it Ana. And regarding the ID - you could be right. But so far I've been given 3 IDs and to be honest, it looks like all of them! 😂

[@MyW1feNowDAVE]

Hi. I’ve just got myself a Zygopetalum. I bought a clear pot for it which I’ve swapped it over now, and was wondering if the roots want to be exposed to the light, or whether I can put my clear pot inside of my nice plant pot? I’d look at the roots for watering guidance, but prefer the look of my nice plant pot opposed to looking at the clear plastic one. Ultimately, I will do what is best for the plant but just wanted to know your thoughts. Many thanks

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

Go ahead and use the decorative pot with the transparent pot inside. As you say, the only reason for using a transparent pot is so you can see what's going inside - the plant doesn't benefit from it.

[@MyW1feNowDAVE]

@@Grow_Up_Man55 thank you for your guidance. I actually have the very same Zygopetalum as in your video. Hopefully I’m nearly as successful as you’ve been with yours. Did you ever learn any more about what variety it is?

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

@@MyW1feNowDAVE Yes - we think it's probably Zygopetalum 'Trozy Blue'

[@MicksMasdevalliaorchids]

Nice video Geoff very informative.

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

Thanks Mick. Especially to me! 😂

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

How’s the subs going? Have they stuck?

[@MicksMasdevalliaorchids]

@@Grow_Up_Man55 just back to a couple a day buddy, but there all very welcome

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

Shows they were genuine then. 😀👍

[@MicksMasdevalliaorchids]

@@Grow_Up_Man55 it appears they are all from a Facebook group called codgers gardening.

[@brandiee3015]

Hi! Thank you for the zygopetalum information! I think it's the same orchid i have. It's in a bark medium and doing very good. Over here in the states it was called zygopetalum "pacific iceberg/ titanic" from the orchid grower I purchased it from. I hope this helps.

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

Thanks for the info! Many zygo hybrids look very similar. I've been offered several names for it. I think 'trozy blue' was a common one.

[@jipingzhang4690]

Thanks for the great video! Lots of useful information! I just bought my first Zygo with a spike. Unfortunately I lost the spike after watering too much, I guess. Hopefully it will grow fine. Need to be really careful now.

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

Glad it helped! Yeah they can be temperamental. Just keep the leaves dry and the temps up! Good luck!🤞

[@sheilabroad8192]

# 5. is very informative. I have a Zygonisia. 🤔. Like you said.... you just have to find out what they like. Trial and error. So far so good 🥴💜

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

Thanks Sheila - I had to go through the video again to see what no. 5 was! 😂 I agree with you totally, trial, error and I would add, vigilance! In my case, vigilance has saved many orchids and a lack of, has killed a few.🤷‍♂️

[@maxineevans9179]

Wow.... that's a beautiful orchid Geoff 😊. I think a zygo might just have to be added to my list for lockdown purchases 😁. I've already got a new miltoniopsis Junit and a teeny tiny Masdevallia nidifica (quite restrained so far lol). When it said miniature Masdevallia I must admit I wasn't thinking it would be quite so small but it's in bloom and quite cute so it can stay 😁. I've been playing orchid Tetris lol so I've made more room but when I finally do run out of space 😩... At least I can squeeze some teeny tiny miniatures in.... Or move house 🤣🤣. Keep the great videos coming and stay safe 😊.

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

Cheers Maxine! 😀 I think anything with a strong scent has to be top of the list. Glad you've managed to find a bit more room - for more plants! I think I might need a larger greenhouse very soon. Just need to pay for this one first!!💰🤷‍♂️

[@maxineevans9179]

@@Grow_Up_Man55 If you've got space for a larger greenhouse then I think it will happen lol. Going to be a monumental strategic effort to change it over though 😦😦 Definitely love the fragrant orchids... My favourite being Coelogyne Nitidia.... Soooo strong and smells like a jar of honey. Can't wait until next year until it blooms again for me 😊. Very disappointing that my new Miltoniopsis Junit appears to be non fragrant!!! I'd assumed they all are but looking like apparently they're not 😢.

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

@@maxineevans9179 Oh don't give me another one to put on my wish-list! 🤣

[@Finkeldinken]

Thank you, this is potentially very useful for me. I just got my first Zygopetalum sp. about six months ago. I keep mine in my living room here in Denmark, with is relatively low humidity (in the 40s usually) and I think our temps line up okay. I repotted mine into coconut husk, a little bark and some regular potting mix into a ceramic pot with drainage a couple of weeks ago; a bit of a 'terrestrial' experiment - I'm very curious to see how it reacts. Seems fine for now, but time will tell. My experience is definitely spikes before pseudobulbs too.

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

I agree with your media choice - on its next repot it's going in coconut husk - and not just for the environmental benefits. Coconut husk holds onto water differently to bark, allowing the roots some ventilation but still allowing access to moisture. I've tried it on several other orchids recently with great success, so it seems to be a better choice in my own environment. Good luck with yours - I'm sure it'll thrive!

[@Finkeldinken]

@@Grow_Up_Man55 Fingers crossed!

[@1kyrill]

hi I did not read all comments, so maybe someone mentioned it already; yours is the Zygopetalum Dschungle Tiger 2

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

The consensus seems to be that it's Zygo. Trozy Blue but to be honest, the hybrids look so similar I really have no idea! Thanks for the guess though!😃

[@rubygarcia8326]

I need exact amt if fertilizer to “Tombstone” zygopetalum. Thanks for great learnings about getting a transparent pot for me to monitor d inside of my Tombstone orchid . More power!!! Ruby from CAlifornia USA

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

Glad it was helpful! Unfortunately there is no 'exact amount of fertiliser'. Factors affecting how much fertliser an orchid (or any plant) would need will vary, depending on the external conditions, the maturity of the plant, the season, the product you are using and so on. The best you can do - like the rest of us growers - is to follow the directions on the product packaging - but dilute more than they say - then monitor the results and make adjustments accordingly.

[@SemihydroponicswithSma]

I will get some orchids Tuesday, and one of them will be a zygopetalum red bird. Will you say is a terrestrial orchid? I've seen quite of bit of mixed options.

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

Some zygos are terrestrial and some epiphytic. Red Bird doesn’t appear to be registered but I guess it’s a hybrid so it depends on what its parentage is. I aim to put mine in coconut husks eventually.

[@SemihydroponicswithSma]

@@Grow_Up_Man55 ok...I will send you some pictures when I've got them, you definitely know a lot more then me about orchids. Mine will go in to leca, obviously 🙄

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

@@SemihydroponicswithSma Possibly - but I keep forgetting it! 🤣

[@renatecormick7399]

Good informative video. I have just given two very big pots of zygos which I’m going repot and divide, of course. I live in South East Queensland Australia, and these plants have been happily growing just up the street from me so are acclimatised to our sub tropical conditions. I hope I can do them justice by dividing them and actually have several options of media to use. Maybe I should try say three different ways to see which grows the best. I think I should also sound out Michael McCarthy as he lives in a similar climate to me. Anyway, wish me luck with this lot, I’m a bit anxious about the whole thing.

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

Thanks Renate. Yes I think the different media is an excellent idea. I find most of my Zygo problems disappear during summer which would lend credibility to the lower temperatures being at the root cause of everything. Michael grows loads of them and is definitely the one to approach. You can find him on instagram if you're on there. Email me if you want his IG name. Good luck!

[@renatecormick7399]

@@Grow_Up_Man55 I tried (maybe not hard enough) to find Michael on IG but no success. Would appreciate his contact details or whatever they call it on IG. I’m a bit useless when it comes to these things. I’ll wait for your reply before starting with the repotting. (By the way I couldn’t find your email address )

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

@@renatecormick7399 I don't want to put his IG name out in public so if you email me [e-mail] I'll give it you there. 😀

[@NicoleDeanna]

Very helpful. I have mine in moss 💯. Hopefully will do well, my temperatures are warmer tough. Zygos seem to be easy for some and difficult for others. Curious how I'll go with my new one. Hopefully can get it to bloom 🙂

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

Thanks Nicole. Yeah they're very similar to Miltoniopsis in that they seem to have quite narrow tolerances. You just have to keep a very close eye on things and make changes if the orchid begins to show signs of distress. Good luck with it!😃

[@EmmaMorgan09]

Shall I grow mine in my tall exoterra? It has a growlight and I can maintain humidity.

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

Worth a try. It’s more temperature control for me that’s an issue. Should help to regulate it for you.

[@EmmaMorgan09]

@@Grow_Up_Man55 I’ve bought a humidity/temperature digital display. And I also have a heat mat. They have a growlight above them. I put them in the exo last night. They look fantastic! They are purple, orange, yellow and pink. All together. Amazing display!

[@keepsmiling704]

I have a Zygonisia Roquebrune " Seafoam " beautiful orchid, but now I have a few yellowing leaves . The orchid is in bloom. Do you know anything as to why the leaves would yellow ?

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

There are so many reasons why leaves turn yellow - basically, anything that's wrong results in yellow leaves! In my conditions - I would first check for mites on the leaves using a hand lens. Ruling that out I would check the temperatures and light requirements are being met. Then I'd dig into the pot and take a look at what the roots are doing. For me, these have been the most influential growth factors for Zygopetalum. Obviously I know nothing about your conditions or the 'story' of the plant, so you'll have to apply this to your own situation. Good luck!

[@keepsmiling704]

@@Grow_Up_Man55 Thank You and will so all you have suggested.

[@EmmaMorgan09]

There’s a load of zygopetalums in Morrisons llanelli as of 3/8/23. £6 each. I’ve bought 3….

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

Funny how once rare can become the norm over time. Sounds like you’ve got a bargain. 🙏😃

[@EmmaMorgan09]

@@Grow_Up_Man55 i haven’t seen them in the shops before so I grabbed them quick!

[@sandiesorchids9387]

I could be Zygopetalum Kiwi Choice ‘Florafest’

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

Thanks Sandie. I've just taken a look, and in some photos it looks exactly like that one, yet in others it looks nothing like that one! So who knows...thanks for trying anyway.🤷‍♂️ It seems like the web isn't sure what Zygopetalum Kiwi Choice ‘Florafest’ is supposed to look like.

[@marniethomson9046]

I’m in need of some advice. I was gifted a zygo blue angel for my birthday a few weeks ago. It was sent up from England to glasgow. I don’t think it’s like the transit as it was in full bloom. 2 of the 4 flower spike are dried out and flowers are dying. I’m unsure if this is what happens once it’s going out of bloom or not. As this is my 1st zygo. The other two flower spikes are on but one is starting to turn yellow. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

Once the blooms are over then the whole spike will die off too - that's perfectly normal. The only worry is if the blooms on any spike haven't yet opened but the spike is still turning yellow - that would indicate some cultural issue. Check through the video to see how your conditions match the ones I'm providing for mine, that'll be a start. Good luck!

[@marniethomson9046]

@@Grow_Up_Man55 thank you for getting back to me. Having a closer inspection of the spikes, it has an infestation of mealy bugs. So I’ve took it away from my other two and I shall spray it down with a mix of isopropyl and water once a day. And hope for the best. I think I’ll repot it too incase they are in the medium. Was loving the smell from the flowers as well. New lessons I’m learning.

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

@@marniethomson9046 That's great news! Not the Mealy Bug - the fact you've discovered them.You're right to sacrifice the blooms to save the plant - although that's something I've struggled with in the past... 🤣

[@marniethomson9046]

@@Grow_Up_Man55 well I hope I can save it. I shall update you in a couple of weeks. See how I get on with it. I knew something was wrong. Just glad I’ve done some further investigation and found the root cause. ☺️

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

@@marniethomson9046 Yeah or you could have had your whole collection infested! Mealy Bug are usually pretty easy to spot - scale insects less so, and spider mite (for my 52 year old eyes!) are practically impossible to spot until the leaves start falling off... 🤷‍♂️

[@lianrohima]

I have love - hate relationship with this orchid

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

Yeah me too - same with Miltoniopsis!🤣

[@marthalazar3021]

Thanks for the helpful video. I just got a Zygonisia. I’m curious what that stunning spotted pink flower is to the right of your Zygo in the video. It’s stunning.

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

My pleasure - glad it was useful. The one you're referring to is Beallara (Aliceara) Purple Princess - an intergeneric hybrid.

[@marthalazar3021]

@@Grow_Up_Man55 Thanks for answering so quickly. There’s so much to learn! It’s been a great winter Covid distraction. My Zygonisia is tiny, so I probably have at least a year until it matures. Love the Beallaras too.

[@Grow_Up_Man55]

@@marthalazar3021 Good luck with it - they're beautiful hybrids - if you can get them to thrive!