Tribe Maxillarieae Scientific name Zygopetalum Rank Genus | Subtribe Zygopetilinae Higher classification Orchids | |
Similar Orchids, Miltonia, Dancing‑lady Orchid, Brassia, Odontoglossum |
Orchid care and culture tips on potting watering and re blooming zygopetalum and similar orchids
Zygopetalum is a genus of the orchid family (Orchidaceae) (subfamily Epidendroideae, tribe Maxillarieae, subtribe Zygopetalinae), consisting of fourteen currently recognized species.
Contents
- Orchid care and culture tips on potting watering and re blooming zygopetalum and similar orchids
- How to grow zygopetalum orchids
- Species
- References
This orchid's generic name, derived from the Greek word zygon, means "yoked petal". It refers to the yoke-like growth at the base of the lip caused by the fusion of petals and the sepals.
They occur in humid forests at low- to mid-elevation regions of South America, with most species in Brazil.
Most are epiphytes, but some are terrestrials with glossy, strap-like, plicate leaves, which are apical, oblong or elliptic-lanceolate, acute or acuminate. These orchids have a robust growth form. Their ovoid-conical pseudobulbs are deciduous.
They produce an erect, 60-centimeter-long, few-flowered to several-flowered, racemose inflorescence that grows laterally and is longer than the leaves. Their prominent bracts equal the length of the ovary. They are known for their fragrant, waxy, and long-lived flowers with multiple blooms in shades of green, purple, burgundy, and raspberry with several patterns.

They are known for their ease of culture and are much in demand as excellent cut flowers.
How to grow zygopetalum orchids
Species
Species accepted as of June 2014:

- Zygopetalum brachypetalum Lindl. - Brazil
- Zygopetalum crinitum G.Lodd. - Brazil
- Zygopetalum ghillanyi Pabst - São Paulo
- Zygopetalum graminifolium Rolfe - São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro
- Zygopetalum maculatum (Kunth) Garay - Spotted Zygopetalum - Peru, Bolivia, Brazil
- Zygopetalum maxillare G.Lodd. - Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina
- Zygopetalum microphytum Barb.Rodr. - Minas Gerais, São Paulo
- Zygopetalum pabstii Toscano - Espírito Santo
- Zygopetalum pedicellatum (Sw.) Garay - southeastern Brazil
- Zygopetalum reginae Pabst - São Paulo
- Zygopetalum sellowii Rchb.f. in W.G.Walpers - Brazil
- Zygopetalum silvanum V.P.Castro & Campacci - Bahia
- Zygopetalum sincoranum V.P.Castro & Campacci - Bahia
- Zygopetalum triste Barb.Rodr. - Minas Gerais
