Zygopetalum Alliance Orchids

Zygopetalum is a genus of New World orchids comprising about 15 species native to the montane regions of Brazil and surrounding countries. They have large, fragrant flowers with petals and sepals boldly patterned in greens and browns framing a striking purple veined white lip which made them immediately sought after in the 1880s when the first species were described. After their initial popularity Zygopetalum were eclipsed by newer discoveries in the early 1900s and faded into obscurity. In the last several decades there has been a resurgence in popularity as modern hybridizers began to cross Zygopetalum with related genera like Aganisia, Pabstia, Galeottia, Promenaea, Pescatorea, and others to create more compact and warmth tolerant hybrids.

Zygopetalum alliance orchids are generally easy to grow. They typically like moderate light, intermediate to warm temperatures and plenty of water and fertilizer. While many Zygopetalum species are cool growers their modern hybrids tend to be more adaptable. Our Zygopetalum alliance plants are wintered in our warm greenhouse and spend summers outdoors under shade cloth in the South Carolina heat. If it won't thrive here we won't sell it.