Purple Zygo Orchids

Zygopetalum Artur Elle x Imagination, orchid hybrid, purple green white and maroon flower, Orchids in the Park 2013, San Francisco, CaliforniaZygopetalum Adelaide Meadows, orchid hybrid, purple green white and maroon flower, Pacific Orchid Expo 2016, San Francisco, CaliforniaZygopetalum Harry, orchid hybrid, purple green white and maroon flower, Pacific Orchid Expo 2016, San Francisco, California

When you think of Zygo orchids, think purple. Zygos are known for brilliant purple hues, rich scents, and long-lasting flowers. Alongside all that purple, their showy blooms include green, white, and maroon. These photos show just of few of the growing number of Zygo varieties, with many new hybrids on the market. The species are native to South American rainforests in Brazil, Argentina, and Peru.

Zygoneria, orchid hybrid, purple green white and maroon flower, Kawamoto Orchid Nursery, Honolulu, HawaiiZygopetalum maxillare, orchid species, purple green white and maroon flower, Orchids in the Park 2013, San Francisco, CaliforniaZygopetalum BG White 'Stonehurst', orchid hybrid, purple green white and maroon flower, grown outdoors in San Francisco, California

Zygo is short for Zygopetalum. To pronounce it, say “zai go” to rhyme with “I go.” Some varieties are warm growers, but there are also cool growers which are perfectly suited for the Northern California coast. They grow in conditions similar to Cymbidiums, but don’t need as much sun. These cool growers enjoy morning sun, regular water, and regular fertilizer, and then a drier winter dormancy. They prefer deep pots where their large root systems can expand. The third photo in the row above shows the plant I’ve grown successfully outdoors for years, Zygopetalum BG White ‘Stonehurst’. Its powerfully fragrant flowers last for months, and it reliably blooms twice a year. (The other Zygo photos are from orchid shows and greenhouse visits.)

Zygopetalum flowers, orchid hybrid, purple green white and maroon flower, Pacific Orchid Expo 2013, San Francisco, CaliforniaZygocaste Rhine Wine, orchid hybrid, purple green white and maroon flower, Orchids in the Park 2010, San Francisco, CaliforniaZygotonia Midnight Blue 'Cardinals Roost', orchid hybrid, purple and white flower, Pacific Orchid Expo 2014, San Francisco, California

Zygonisia, orchid hybrid, purple and white flower, Orchids in the Park 2012, San Francisco, CaliforniaZygopetalum Artur Elle 'Tombstone', purple green white and maroon flower, Pacific Orchid Expo 2010, San Francisco, CaliforniaZygonisia Rogue Brune x Acacallis cyanea, orchid hybrid, purple and white flower, Orchids in the Park 2014, San Francisco, California

Zygos can be susceptible to botrytis, a type of fungal infection which leads to black leaf spots. The Zygos can thrive and bloom anyway. High humidity and good air flow will minimize the effects.

If you love purple, you’ll love Zygos. They’ll fill your garden with color and fragrance.

Explore posts in the same categories: Cool Growers, Dormancy, Fragrant Orchids, Growing, Photos

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One Comment on “Purple Zygo Orchids”

  1. Sarah Says:

    Zygos are my favorite orchids! Great photos of these lovelies.