Zygopetalum mackayi è la specie più conosciuta, con alti spighi di fiori cerosi con sepali e petali verdi macchiati di marrone-castagno e ampio labbro bianco venato di violetto. Intensamente profumato di giacinto e facile da coltivare intermedio, è un fondamento degli ibridi di Zygopetalum.
Bright, indirect light, similar to Cattleya, for the strongly fragrant flowers; avoid harsh direct sun on the soft, strappy leaves.
Keep the medium evenly moist while in active growth, letting it approach (not reach) dryness between waterings. Use low-mineral water, as the leaves are prone to spotting from salts. Reduce slightly once growth matures.
Medium, free-draining bark mix with some sphagnum to retain a little moisture.
Intermediate, 14–26 °C with a night drop; high humidity (50–70%) with good airflow.
Feed weakly weekly at quarter to half strength during growth; flush periodically with plain water.
Remove spent spikes and dead roots; divide only large clumps. Non-toxic.