Are Zygopetalum Orchids easy to care for?
Saw a Zygopetalum Orchid Plant and wanted to buy it. My husband said that since I was just starting to care for houseplants, an orchid would be too hard for me. Do you think if I bought this kind of Orchid Plant, I would be able to keep it alive?
Hi Laurie,
A Zygopetalum Orchid, (“yoked petal orchid”) is not only beautiful, it also has a lovely scent and is really quite easy to care for. I think it would be a great Orchid Plant for a beginner.
‘New Era’ Orchid
Here are some care tips:
Bright indirect light but no direct sun
High humidity (50% or more) if possible. If your home is dry, put a small humidifier near the plant
Water: This is the one area where you have to be a little careful. Try not to get the leaves or pseudo bulbs wet. These pseudo bulbs store water, so the plant does a lot better if you under rather than over water. Keep the soil barely moist and never soggy.
Temperature: Getting the right temperature helps a Zygopetalum Orchid Plant produce more flowers. 70-75°F/21-24°C during the day and 60-65°F/16-18°Cat night is ideal.
Fertilizer: Feed your Orchid Plant twice a month when it is actively growing with a plant food made specifically for orchids.
That’s all there is to it!