Zygopetalum maxillare

Also known as: The Chin or Zygopetalum sanderianum Zygopetalum sanderae Zygopetalum maxillare h.v. sanderianum Zygopetalum maxillare h.f. alba Zygopetalum hasslerianum Eulophia maxillaris Zygopetalum rigbyanum Zygopetalum mandibulare Zygopetalum maxillare h.v. gautieri Zygopetalum gautieri in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Brazil

General Information

The Chin is a small to medium sized sympodial cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Brazil.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 50cm. Each new growth has numerous lance shaped leaves that grow to 1.3-45cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.8-30cm

Flowers

Numerous fragrant blossoms appear

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant.

Care Notes

These orchids have a fine root system that can quickly die back if left dry for too long, but also does not like to be kept wet, so water regularly but ensure that the mix is dry before watering. 

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 28mm to 201mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 80% to 84%, highest in September and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from 9C to 26C, highest in July (16C to 26C) and lowest in January (9C to 20C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a wet-dry cycle between waterings, they should be watered frequently but only when the moisture is approaching dryness, where the pot feels light and/or the media looks dry. Keep an eye on mounted orchids in warm weather as they may dehydrate quickly.

Fertiliser

Apply liquid based fertiliser per recommended directions. They can benefit from a high phosphate fertiliser leading up to flowering season, followed by a high nitrogen fertiliser when new growth appears, and a balanced fertiliser in other times. These orchids can also tolerate slow release fertiliser applied 1-2 pellets per cup (250ml) of media.

Use balanced fertiliser year round. Be sure to flush out excess fertiliser by running water through the media regularly year round. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.

Potting

Due to the growth nature of these plants they are best mounted onto cork, tree fern slabs, or even trees if the climate suits. Water regularly especially in hot weather.

This plant does well mounted.