The Zygopetalum is delivered in a nursery pot. Put the plant in a bright sunny place in the living room but not in direct sunlight. The ideal temperature is between 17 and 23° C.

Keep the roots of the orchid ‘Zygopetalum’ regularly moist with rain water or any other soft water deficient in lime. In the summer the plant requires a lot of water, you could immerse the plant for example in warm rain water. Always let the water drain away well from the flower pot. Regularly add plant food when watering. Make sure there is a high humidity by spraying the plant. The plant forms new pseudo bulbs, usually in the autumn. When you see these pseudo bulbs appear, the plant needs a resting period of about ten weeks. Put the plant in a cool place (about 12° C), water a little, do not feed. The growing media however should not dry out completely. During the resting period the new flower buds are formed. Once the flower buds become visible, you can place the plant in a warmer spot, water and feed more often.

Dormant period

These plants produce new pseudobulbs, usually in the autumn. If you see these pseudobulbs appear, the plant needs a dormant period of about 10 weeks. Put the plant in a cool place (about 12° C), water a little every 2 weeks but do not feed. The soil should not completely dry out. New buds are formed during the rest period. Once they become visible, place the plant in a warm place, water and add fertiliser more often.

The beautiful eye-catching flowers of the orchid ‘Zygopetalum’ spread a wonderful fragrance. The petals have different shades of purple and white, at the top they are brown with green. In the heart there are beautiful markings. It is quite an easy house plant to grow that will receive many admiring glances.

The orchid ‘Zygopetalum’ is a native of South-America. The orchids grow high in the trees of the forest and also on rocks. With its aerial roots, the plant will cling firmly to the plant bark and rock crevices. The roots feed on the morning dew and rain.