Fairly Easy Orchids – Zygopetalum Skippy Ku

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Blooming, Care and Culture, Classification, Growing Indoors

I define “fairly easy” orchids as those that, while suitable for a beginner, may not be quite as tolerant of less than ideal conditions as the “easy” orchids.

This is a colorful genus, gaining in popularity as modern breeding results in some new and exciting flowers. A dark-hued primary hybrid, bred in the United States in 1975, it has two distinct species for parents, Z. graminifolium and Z. intermedium, both of which come from Central America. The coloring in the hybrid displays rich indigo veining on the lip, contrasting with brown and green petals and sepals. The plants can be quite large and robust with a few, narrowly oval leaves and stout pseudobulbs. The flower spikes, with up to six blooms each, arise from the base of the new growths during the spring months and the flowers, which are fragrant, will last for three weeks. Several flower spikes can be expected from a medium-size plant. Grow in shade in intermediate temperatures.

Flower Size: 2 inches (5cm) across

Flower Spike: 14 inches (35cm)

Plant Height: 1 foot (30cm)

Pot Size: 4 inches (10cm)