What's wrong with my Zygopetalum ? - Orchid Board

NeoNJ · #1 07-10-2012, 07:24 PM

I love Zygopetalum......but the one I have does nothing but turn Yellow. All the leaves turn Yellow and get Black spots. What is wrong with this Zygopetalum? Is it getting to much light (It is in a Southeast window, so it gets morning light), or is it kept to warm?

Paul Mc · #2 07-10-2012, 07:27 PM

Could you give your temp ranges, humidity ad the amount of light it gets throughout the day? Also, what is it potted in and how often do you water?

NeoNJ · #3 07-10-2012, 07:44 PM

72-75 temps
50% humidity
Indirect Bright light for balance of the day
Kept moist at all times (frequent watering)

Ray · #4 07-10-2012, 08:20 PM

Are the rhizomes at/above the medium surface or submerged?

NeoNJ · #5 07-10-2012, 08:50 PM

Sorry, I don't know. I bought the plant in Bloom at 'Trader Joe's' months ago and it is still in the same pot and mix it came in. I just know it has a ton of new roots, and believe it or not, 2 new flower spikes/buds. It's just the leaves that look crappy!

Paul Mc · #6 07-10-2012, 09:32 PM

Can you post pics? That would really help us understand what you are concerned about.

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #7 07-10-2012, 10:59 PM

How frequently are you watering?

Do you have pics?

orchidsarefun · #8 07-11-2012, 12:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeoNJ

I love Zygopetalum......but the one I have does nothing but turn Yellow. All the leaves turn Yellow and get Black spots. What is wrong with this Zygopetalum? Is it getting to much light (It is in a Southeast window, so it gets morning light), or is it kept to warm?

your zygo wouldn't flower/grow if there were serious problems. Your temps and lighting are fine. Make sure that the medium is free-draining ( coco-chips/bark mix the best ), that it is not in a drafty area and that you do not get water on the leaves. Fertilise weakly, weekly. Some crosses are not as "strong" as others. My Louisendorff grows and flowers well. My Mishima Goddess cross grows a bulb, flowers and then all leaves die off after turning yellow. Then another bulb grows. I currently have 4 fat bulbs, no leaves - and one new growth on this one.
Your plant may still be adapting to your conditions too.....BTW - watch out when winter comes as a SF window will be too hot...

RosieC · #9 07-11-2012, 05:10 AM

I've not had much luck with these, but found that they can rot easily if the growths get wet. At the same time they like plenty of water. I have a p-bulb of one that got down to just the bulb and no roots. I stuck it in S/H and found it grew, but twice more I rotted off new growths by getting it too wet on the base of the growths. This time the new growth has got further as I've been very careful.

Leafmite · #10 07-11-2012, 09:10 AM

I have zygolum louisendorf and it is definitely one that thrives easily. I moved it from a peat mixture to lava rock which I try to remember to keep moist. It hasn't complained.
Could the problem be a nutrient deficiency or imbalance? A dose of Ironite, calcium, or magnesium might be helpful. This is just an idea, something to contemplate.