A year of growing Zygopetalum — detailed seasonal notes

Here are my notes from twelve months of growing Zygopetalum:

Spring: triggering a new flower spike with cooler autumn nights. This was the moment that confirmed the whole venture. I focused on watering by soaking the pot then letting it drain fully during this period which set up the rest of the year.

wide hybridisation resulting in an almost unlimited colour range developed steadily through the warmer months. scale insects on pseudobulbs and undersides of leaves appeared in summer and required prompt treatment. The plant in a decorative cachepot for a formal living room performed better than I'd expected for the position. Overall: a rewarding year. The investment of attention is paid back generously.