Zglm. Starburst 'Parkside'

Zygolum Starburst 'Parkside' is an intergeneric hybrid created by crossing a Zygopetalum with a Zygosepalum. The specific cross is Zygopetalum Clayi x Zygosepalum labiosum. This combination brings together the robust, fragrant nature of Zygopetalum with the unique and often dramatic features of Zygosepalum. The 'Parkside' cultivar is a particularly notable selection, celebrated for its vigor and color.

To understand the plant, we look to its ancestors' homes. The Zygopetalum side of the family, as we've seen, hails from the cool, moist, mid-elevation mountain forests of South America, primarily Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru. The other parent, Zygosepalum labiosum, is found in the hot and humid lowlands of the Amazon basin, thriving in the shady, wet forests of Venezuela, Colombia, the Guianas, and northern Brazil at elevations from 300 to 1,300 ft. This blend of highland and lowland genetics creates a hybrid that is generally more adaptable and temperature-tolerant than its pure Zygopetalum relatives.

The flower is a true showstopper. It has a distinctive star shape, with sharply pointed sepals and petals of a deep, velvety mahogany-red or rich burgundy. This dramatic coloring is beautifully contrasted by a large, fan-shaped lip that flares out boldly. The lip is a brilliant, shocking magenta or fuchsia-purple at its base, fading to a soft lavender or white toward the edges. The flowers are waxy, long-lasting, and can reach up to 4 in. across. And the fragrance—it carries that signature spicy, complex Zygopetalum scent that is simply wonderful.

The plant itself has the characteristic growth habit of the group. It produces ovoid pseudobulbs from a creeping rhizome, which can sometimes "climb" a bit in the pot. Each pseudobulb is topped with two to three glossy green, plicate (pleated) leaves that are long and graceful. The flower spikes emerge from the base of the newest growths, typically in the fall and winter, and usually carry two to four of these stunning, fragrant blooms. The 'Parkside' clone is known for its relatively compact and tidy growth.

Care Instructions

Light: Provide bright, filtered light. Avoid direct midday sun, which can scorch the leaves. An east-facing window or a shaded south or west window is suitable.

Water: Keep the potting medium consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top inch of the medium feels slightly damp to the touch. Due to its Zygosepalum parentage from wet lowlands, it does not tolerate drying out completely.

Temperature: This hybrid is quite adaptable but thrives in intermediate conditions. Aim for daytime temperatures of 70-80°F, with a nighttime low of 60-65°F. It can tolerate slightly warmer conditions than a pure Zygopetalum.

Humidity: Prefers humidity levels of 60% or higher. Use a humidity tray or a room humidifier if your growing environment is dry. Good air circulation is essential.

Potting Medium: A moisture-retentive but well-draining mix is best. A fine-grade fir bark mix combined with sphagnum moss and perlite is an excellent choice. Because of its creeping rhizome, a shallow, wide pot or a bulb pan is often a good fit. Repot every two years or when the medium begins to break down.