Winter Featured Plant
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Zygopetalum
mackayi
A Zygopetalum mackayi
plant is one of the ‘soft leaf’ orchids, a name given
due to their leathery leaves. The plant is moderate to large about
14-23 inches tall. It has pseudobulbs, which are bright green when
young but turn yellowish-green later. Leaf-like bracts protect the
pseudobulbs. The leaves of this orchid are leathery, strap-like,
bright green with prominent veins growing from the top of the pseudobulb.
The flowers are waxy and very fragrant. The sepals and petals are
curved inwards. The plant has green flowers spotted with brown,
and has a white lip laced with deep purple.
The top view
of the unique flower
The pseudobulbs and their dry bracts.
This orchid
requires relatively bright light. A healthy plant that does not
bloom may mean inadequate light. In proper light the plant has light
green leaves. Yellowish leaves indicate too much and dark green
leaves indicate too little light. Although these plants enjoy bright
light, they should not be grown at direct sunlight, unless the climate
is moderate.
A single Zygopetalum
mackayi plant.
Zygopetalum
mackayi loves water. However, its roots should not be soaking in
standing water. Watering once or twice a week is adequate. Moist
soil is best for proper growth of the plant. Complete drying out
should be definitely prohibited.
A bunch of Z.
mackayi flowers.
Zygopetalum
mackayi grows on brushy gentle slopes, grassy plains, in sparse
woods and meadows near forests. This plant can tolerate both heat
and cold and so is easy to grow. The plants however, should never
is pot bound.
A flower showing the green petals and the lip.
You can come to Mount Holyoke College’s Talcott Greenhouse
to take a look at this fragrant orchid currently in bloom.
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