{"product_id":"orchid-zygopetalum-maculatum","title":"Zygopetalum maculatum - Zygo Orchid","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eAs its Latin name suggests, this Zygo Orchid's petals are covered in dotty patterns! Its lower petal, which serves as a kind of insect runway for its pollinators in the wild, is bright purple with white on the edge, and the central opening of the plant is surrounded by green petals speckled with the purple dots that give the plant its scientific name. Its long, mid-green leaves reach as tall as the flower spikes and sprout from 'pseudobulbs', the part of the plant that stores extra water for this orchid. Add a touch of the rainforest to your home with the lush, tropical foliage and distinctive flowers of this unusual orchid. The scented blooms can last several weeks in the right conditions, so take care of this plant and it'll keep adding colour to your surroundings.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImportant Note \u003c\/strong\u003eWe have tried to identify these orchids but please note that we are doing this by eye and comparing the plants we have in the shop to photos online. The orchids might arrive with the flowers open or closed. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eScientific Name\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cem\u003eZygopetalum maculatum \u003c\/em\u003e(yoked-petal plant with spots)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eSynonyms: \u003cem\u003eMaxillaria maculata, Broughtonia maculata, Dendrobium maculatum\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThis species was identified as variously part of the \u003cem\u003eDendrobium,\u003c\/em\u003e Broughtonia and \u003cem\u003eMaxillaria\u003c\/em\u003e genuses, but the current classification is \u003cem\u003eZygopetalum\u003c\/em\u003e thanks to a 1970 paper. A subspecies of this orchid (\u003cem\u003eZ. maculatum\u003c\/em\u003e subsp. \u003cem\u003emaculatum)\u003c\/em\u003e was initially identified as \u003cem\u003eZygopetalum mackayi,\u003c\/em\u003e named for botanist John MacKay, but was reclassified under this species when it became clear it was not a distinct species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCommon Name\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eZygopetalum Orchid, Zygo Orchid, Purple Orchid, Spotted Cat of the Mountain, Spotted Zygopetalum\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eNative to flat, semi-boggy and wet areas in Peru, Bolivia and Brazil\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLight\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eZygopetalum maculatum prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, so place it in a location with filtered light or behind a sheer curtain. During its autumn and winter dormancy period, it will benefit from an hour or two of weak morning sunlight.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWater\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eWater regularly but ensure the water can drain away after each water. Allow the top third of the soil to dry out between waters. This species prefers slightly drier conditions between waterings compared to some other orchids, so avoid letting it sit in water.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHumidity\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eEnjoys moderate to high humidity levels (50-70%). A humidity tray or room humidifier can help maintain these conditions, especially during winter when operating heating systems can dry the air.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSoil\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003ePlant in a well-draining orchid mix, such as one containing bark, perlite, and coir. This ensures good root ventilation and prevents rot. Repot every 3-4 years as the plant grows; repotting at this frequency will mean it stays a little potbound and is more likely to flower.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFood\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eFeed monthly with a balanced orchid fertiliser during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce feeding in the winter when the plant’s growth slows. You can supplement this with a foliar orchid feed in Spring but make sure not to overdo it and keep an eye on the instructions for your specific fertiliser.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTemperature\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThis species does best in warm temperatures ranging from 18-24°C. It should not be exposed to temperatures below 13°C, as it is sensitive to cold draughts.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePet-Safe\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eYes; orchids are typically non-toxic to pets, but it is best for pets and plant to keep them out of reach and prevent chewing.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSprouts Top Tips:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eFlowering: Zygopetalum maculatum blooms in late winter or early spring, often producing fragrant flowers. Avoid disturbing the plant during this time to encourage blooming. It will also benefit from having a dormancy period in autumn and winter, with lower temperatures, less fertilising and some weak sunlight being introduced.\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDid You Know?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThe dark spots on the flowers of \u003cem\u003eZygopetalum maculatum\u003c\/em\u003e help attract pollinators in its native environment. These striking flowers are also known for their fragrance, prominent when they are in bloom.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sprouts of Bristol","offers":[{"title":"12cm","offer_id":43912904540413,"sku":"1118541601371","price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0490\/2774\/3905\/products\/orchid-zygopetalum-maculatum-199554.jpg?v=1683194842","url":"https:\/\/sproutsofbristol.pro\/products\/orchid-zygopetalum-maculatum","provider":"Sprouts of Bristol","version":"1.0","type":"link"}