Tst. Melinda Marie 'Blue Moon'

Tsubotaara (Tst.) 'Melinda Marie 'Blue Moon'' is a unique hybrid orchid that belongs to the Zygopetalum alliance. It is a clonal hybrid hailing from a cross between Pabanisia Eva's Blue Amazon and Zygonisia Cynosure.

Flowers: The flowers are typically 2 to 3 inches across and have a slightly milky white background. The most notable feature is the vibrant indigo-blue overlay on the tips of the petals and sepals, with a deeper indigo lip. They also have a subtle, fresh, and sometimes spicy fragrance.

Plant: This is a compact orchid, generally reaching a height of 8-12 inches. It can bloom multiple times a year, often in the spring, fall, and winter. The blooms can last for about a month or longer.

Care Instructions:

Light: Provide bright, indirect light. It's best to protect the leaves from direct sun exposure to prevent scorching.

Temperature: This orchid thrives in intermediate to cool temperatures. The ideal range is a minimum night temperature of about 55°F (13°C) and a maximum day temperature of 90°F (32°C).

Watering: Water frequently during hot months, allowing the potting mix to get "near dry" between waterings. While it can tolerate short drought periods, it prefers not to stay dry for long. It's also important to ensure good drainage.

Potting Mix: A fine bark or sphagnum/perlite mix is recommended. Repotting should be done carefully in the spring every two years, before the plant becomes fully root-bound.

Fertilizer: Use a balanced, urea-free fertilizer at a quarter to half strength every other watering when new roots and leaves are emerging. Flush the pot once a month to prevent mineral buildup. Fertilizing should be reduced to once a month or stopped entirely in the winter.

Humidity: It can tolerate moderate humidity but prefers a range of 40-70%. Good air circulation is essential to prevent fungal issues.

Currently offered in 4" pots.