The Zygopetalum (zye-go-PET-ah-lum) orchid genus is very small and only contains 15 recognized species. Even though the number of species is small, there are an abundant number of Zygopetalum hybrids. 

This orchid's generic name, derived from the Greek word zygon, means "yoked petal". Zygopetalums are very fragrant orchids and their fragrance can often fill an entire room.

Zygopetalum orchids produce beautiful waxy-looking blooms. The blooms are usually green and brown striped or speckled, with a broad white velvety lip marked with purple, indigo, maroon, or fuchsia. The leaves are long, glossy, and strap-like. Zygopetalum foliage can grow to be nearly two feet tall and the inflorescence, which develops from the base of the pseudobulb, will usually grow even taller than the leaves. They may be grown under similar conditions to most cymbidiums.