Zygopetalum (abbreviated Zygo.) triste is a charming species found in Brazil in Minas Gerais at elevations of 3,100 to 5,900 ft (950 to 1800 m). It is an easy to grow, small sized, intermediate to warm growing terrestrial or lithophyte. Plant stays small and blooms in the fall on an erect, inflorescence with up to 6 (2 - 2.5 inch) stunning flowers. These are soft-leaved plants that like bright light and dislike direct sunlight, especially in the hot months. The soft, jade green leaves are refined, similar to some Asian cymbidium species—very elegant and ornamental. When the flowers first open they smell like fresh ground pepper. As they get older the scent becomes more spicy floral. This species grows well with our Phalaenopsis since they have similar requirements. It does not need a cool winter to flower.
Zygopetalums require humid conditions with good air circulation under moderate shade with plenty of water during the growing season, less after new pseudobulbs are fully formed. Zygopetalums will respond best if divided and repotted when the new growths are stretching upward. They are quite succulent and should be divided only when necessary, with care as pseudobulbs are easily damaged or even broken. Repot. The roots are brittle and expect to break most of them in dividing so the divisions need a bit of babying along to become re-established. Any medium that is free draining such as a mixture of fine bark, charcoal, and perlite will work well. We prefer to grow these in sphagnum moss. Inconsistent watering, dry conditions, or low humidity can result in the leaves becoming pleated like and accordion, a condition that is not reversible. You can grow these plants on a windowsill or under lights in your home without them taking over the entire space. Rarely found in the marketplace. Highly recommended.
#Zygo #species #compact #stunning #fragrant #rare #windowsill #underlights
PLEASE NOTE: Since this is a Seedling Population (not a Mericlone which produces exact duplicates), the picture is for illustration purposes only. No two plants will be the same from this cross, and they will flower in a range of possibilities coming from the two parents.