The unexpected joy of growing Zygopetalum

I planted Zygopetalum without expecting much and it's become one of the most satisfying things in my garden. pseudobulbs that store water and nutrients is something I couldn't have predicted from looking at it in a nursery. You only understand it once the plant is established and performing.

I keep it in a bright bathroom with natural humidity which is perfect for it. feeding with a half-strength orchid fertiliser weekly in summer was the thing I got lucky getting right early. triggering a new flower spike with cooler autumn nights stopped me in my tracks the first time I saw it. crown rot from water sitting in the leaf crown is a real thing — just check regularly and deal with it quickly.