Zygopetalum Story

[@NinjaOrchids]

I chuckled when you said 'what I ended up doing, was buying more zygopetalums' 😅 I didn't dare until I figured mine out! Love this video! It describes my journey with mine the first 2 years.... good stuff 😀 still watching, but your comment, there, made me stop .. I had to make sure I didn't forget. That praying mantis... strikes a pose 👍🏼 i loved the music ... reminded me of the chillout lounge I used to frequent in Dubai. Thank you so much for this very informative video 🌸

[@OrchidsFynbos]

Thanks Nina 😊🙏 I’m really glad you asked me to join in on the CareCollab because it’s allowing me to explore a slightly different style of video and I’m enjoying the mix. P.S. I want that Zygo Trozy Blue 🤩

[@cherylpenn4509]

Fabulous. Have just bought my first Zygo. Thanks

[@michelleslifeonrepeat]

Nice to meet you, via KZbin. Thank you for sharing your insights. You reminded me that my cooler downstairs may be where my zygo will be moved to in the hot of summer.

[@OrchidsFynbos]

Thanks Michelle great to meet you too! 😊

[@FernandaNascimentoOrchids]

Very often we can learn a lot when things go wrong, if we understand what we have to change. Thank you for sharing your experience with us and hope to watch you again in other CareCollab videos❤️

[@OrchidsFynbos]

Thanks Fernanda, 100% agree with that and glad you enjoyed the video 😊🙏

[@orchidsbythelake]

Finished watching... this is very interesting. We both have a greenhouse yet, the difference here is probably that I have cooler night temp... but I still need to see how they are going to do in this summer. Thank you for sharing.

[@Melissa-loves-orchids]

Ooo thanks for this. I just got my first Zygo! I’ve heard they are difficult. So I’m a bit worried. I live in Miami, Florida. I’m going to keep her indoors.

[@AttainableGreen]

Looks like you’re getting the hang of Zygos...give them some more time and hopefully they will do better now that they’re settling in. We all go through that stage of finding the right location for these plants but once we find that sweet spot, it’s much easier 😁

[@OrchidsFynbos]

Thanks Jess 😊🙏 I’m definitely more chilled now that I know this is the normal process with Zygos. I couldn’t understand why I was struggling so much. Your collection of Zygos looks amazing - I’m going to go shopping for Zygos next month 😅

[@orchidsbythelake]

Hi! I have never seen your video before! Honored to be part of this.

[@OrchidsFynbos]

Thanks Yoshi 😊🙏 also glad to be a part of the CareCollab projects

[@michaelmccarthy4077]

Actually, talking about what not to do is just as important as what to do. And I agree with your what not to do list except for too hot. If there isn't any air movement, I can see that, but I'm able to grow Zygos outdoors in south Florida and we're hot (90F/32 C or more) most of the year (from May-Sep our lows are generally 80/26.5 or more). I still get some leaf spotting, but it is minimal so long as I keep them sopping wet (if it doesn't rain, they are watered every day). They will not bloom in hot temperatures, though, as any growths mine produce in summer never bloom. I really recommend growing them, regardless of climate, in either sphagnum moss or coconut husk, both packed in tightly, they don't prefer an airy medium (except Z. maxillare). On the Promenaea, they are far less temperature tolerant than Zygos and like somewhat lower light levels. And they are terrible divas about being repotted. Repot only when the new growth is starting to mature, otherwise they will stop growing, sulk, lose leaves. They can stall for up to two years.

[@OrchidsFynbos]

Thanks for the tips Michael. I grow my Zygos in a mix of coconut chunks and perlite, tightly packed 😊. Will be careful with the Promenaea when I repot - not happening any time soon 😅

[@cherylpenn4509]

Hi are you in S.A.??? Must be in C. Town??? :)

[@AviSLeigh]

Your accent is fantastic

[@OrchidsFynbos]

Haha 😂 thanks Avi!

[@yolyrom7233]

So, are they considered cool orchids like Phals

[@judithsarcochilus1080]

Good video - Zygos are challenging - I also have problems growing them - but for very different reasons than you do. I am in Vancouver, BC, and grow indoors, but we usually have a window open except on the coldest days, so I can grow cool to cold, which they like. I have struggled from not giving them enough light (at least I think that was an issue) and from pests - spider mites, mealy bugs and occasionally scale. All my soft leafed orchids (oncidiums, zygos and their friends) suffered. I have taken to spraying with an insecticide that can be used indoors at almost every watering. I have also moved my zygos to brighter spots. Certainly the leaves of most are looking better, and I am still hoping that my room will again be filled with the amazing scent that zygos provide. Wish me luck...

[@OrchidsFynbos]

Thanks Judith 😊🙏 and holding thumbs for you. Yes, that’s the adverse effect, if I keep them out of the heat then that means much less light 🙈. But we will all get there soon and be smelling the amazing Zygo scent!

[@richardlawton1023]

Looks like the pots are way to large. I grow under lights in a sunny window. I use med bark, charcoal, large pearlite, and some coco husk chunks.