Zygopetalum

Spring-Winter · Indoors

Water regularly during growth

Water regularly while the plant is in growth. The watering should be reduced as the leaves start to die. It should be kept just moist during its rest period (generally winter) and watering resumed when new growth starts.

Spring - late · Outdoors

Feed with sequestrol

If plants are acid loving and grown in soil with little acidity, or in a container, or are watered with limey tap water an annual feed with sequestrol (iron chelate) is highly beneficial. Follow guidelines on the packet. Will also 'blue-up' hydrangeas.

For hydrangeas that have good blue flowers in acid soil, this product can be used with alkaline soil to turn the flowers blue. This is most effective when the soil is neutral or just slightkly alkaline.

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Water during dry periods

For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.

Spring - pf · Planting

Repot every other year after flowering

Repot every other year when the orchid has finished flowering. If necessary, move to a slightly larger pot with drainage holes in the bottom.

Spring-Winter · Planting

Divide when too large for pot

Orchids that are too large for their pots can be divided when dormant. Cut through the rhizome and root ball if necessary. Treat cuts with sulphur powder, repot the plant and stake it to ensure it is not going to move in its pot.

You can also remove offsets and bulbils etc. at this time, but be sure to leave some pseudo bulbs and put bulbs back in place. Research specialist literature on this if you wish to get the very best from your orchid.

Summer-Autumn · Indoors

Feed with orchid feed

Use a standard orchid feed regularly at every third watering during summer, applying it as directed on the packet.

For specialist feeding, you can buy a group of orchid feeds. Apply a high nitrogen feed in spring as the plant is coming into growth, a balanced feed during growth, and a high potash feed in autumn.

Summer-Autumn · Outdoors

Feed with orchid feed

Use a standard orchid feed regularly at every third watering during summer, applying it as directed on the packet.

For specialist feeding, you can buy a group of orchid feeds. Apply a high nitrogen feed in spring as the plant is coming into growth, a balanced feed during growth, and a high potash feed in autumn.

Winter · Outdoors

Water lightly during dormancy

The soil should be kept just moist during the plant's rest period.

Indoor temperature · Planting

10C minimum temperature

This plant requires a minimum temperature of 10 Centigrade.

Indoor plant · Planting

Position in a bright spot, no direct sun

Give this a bright position away from the direct sun, especially direct sun at the height of the day. (Direct sunshine is too hot and can burn the leaves.) Move the plant to a brighter position in the room during winter and early spring.

Compost · Planting

Orchid compost + bonemeal for repotting

Use a standard orchid compost, either for terrestrial or epiphytic orchids, adding some bonemeal as a fertiliser.

The standard compost can be supplemented with some bonemeal and peat. If the latter is used, add a little powdered lime at the same time to balance the acidity of the peat and stop the compost becoming acidic.