Zooskooñ Flower: Complete Cultivation Guide

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Cultivation Requirements
• Step-by-Step Growing Guide
• Environmental Control
• Maintenance Schedule
• Flowering Cycle Management
• Propagation Methods
• Dormancy Care
• Troubleshooting
• FAQs
• Disclaimer

Introduction

This guide provides critical cultivation information on the amazing Zooskooñ (pronounced zooss-koon), an extraordinary flower from the eastern Andean slopes that changes color. For additional information about this fascinating plant’s history, botanical attributes, and cultural importance, click this link to our article.

Cultivation Requirements

Step-by-Step Guide to Growing

Setup and Preparation

• Set up a controlled growing environment (terrarium or designated chamber)
• Install a humidity control system
• Arrange filtered light that provides 3,000-5,000 lux
• Prepare growing medium with 60% sphagnum moss, 20% perlite, and 20% fine bark sifted
• Adjust pH to around 4.5 – 5.5
• Pick shallow, wide containers (15-20 cm deep) with excellent drainage.

Methods of Planting

Seed Method

• (Preferred)Stratify fresh seeds for 14 days in a refrigerator at 4° C
• Surface sow on prepared mixture
• Maintain at 22° C with 95% humidity
• Expect germination in 18-24 days.

Division Method

(Secondary)Divide plants in early dormancy

Make sure each division has healthy rhizome sections

Let the cut surface callus for 24 hours

Apply rooting hormone before replanting.

Environmental Regulation

Moisture Regulation

Program misting systems to provide 85-95% relative humidity.

Cover younger plants with humidity domes.

Place containers on trays filled with pebbles and water.

Misting 2-3 times a day is helpful in drier conditions.

Light Regulation

Use shade cloth (30-40%) in front of direct sunlight.

You may also consider LED grow lights with adjustable intensity.

Allow space of 30-45cm above the plants.

Use a 12-14 hour photoperiod.

Temperature Regulation

Temperature should be kept at 18°C during the day, and 14°c at night time.

It is critical to have a day and night temperature differential of 5-8 degrees.

A programmable thermostat will allow you to easily control the temperature consistently with easy programming.

Maintaining Your Setting

Daily Responsibilities

• Make a record of humidity, twice a day.
• Mist foliage every morning.
• Check temperature for consistency.
• Look for any activity from pests.

Weekly Responsibilities

• Rotate your containers for consistent light for your plants.
• Flush the growing medium of excess minerals.
• Check for moisture levels in your growing medium.
• Check the drainage of the growing medium.

Monthly Responsibilities

• Fertilize with diluted nutrient ratio (except in dormancy).
• Check and recalibrate your AGM (artificial growing medium).
• Remove any damaged foliage from your plant.
• Assess the health of your rhizome.

Management of Flowering Cycle

1. Care Before Flowering

Full period of dormancy (2-3 months)

Slowly increase either temperature, light or both

Return to normal watering schedule

Add phosphorus content fertilizer (⅛ strength)

2. Bloom Cycle Stages

• Days 1-4: pale cerulean blue with further highlights of silver on the flower
• Days 5-9: bright magenta color – borders of petal exhibit ultraviolet reflective colors
• Days 10-14: amber-gold color and spots of sanguine
• Days 15-23: deep indigo followed by lavender.

3. Care After Flowering

• Stop fertilization immediately
• Let the foliage die back naturally
• Slowly reduce watering
• Prepare for period of dormancy

Methods of Propagation

1.Seed Collection

• Gather from flower that fully matured (after day 23)
• Seeds cleaned to remove chaff
• Store in paper envelopes that contain silica gel at 4 degrees centigrade
• Use seeds within 4-6 weeks for best chance of viability

2. Dividing Rhizomes

• Divide before full dormancy
• Make sure each section of rhizome has viable growth points
• Plant each logs horizontally at original depth Plant at least 15-20 cm spacing while planting
• Maintain additional humidity for the first 4-6 weeks after dividing rhizomes.

Care During Dormancy

Beginning Dormancy

• Gradually decrease watering frequency-
• Reduce temperature to 10°C to 12°C-
• Decrease light intensity by 50%-
• Decrease humidity to 50% to 60%-
• Discontinue all fertilizations

During Dormancy

Water sparingly with frequency of once every 3-4 weeks.-

Maintain cool temperatures consistently.-

Keep plants away from drafts.-

Occasionally check for symptoms of desiccation.

Breaking Dormancy-

Cover the container to allow for gradual increase of temperature over the course of two weeks.-

After breaking dormancy, slowly resume normal watering.

After breaking dormancy, increase light levels in small increments.-

After new growth appears, you can then begin light fertilizer.

Troubleshooting

Failure to Bloom

Cause: Plant did not experience dormancy.

Solution: Give plant appropriate a temperature differential to properly experience dormancy.

Stunted Growth

Cause: Lack of nutrition or roots were conned.

Solution: Properly fertilize and repot on an annual basis.

Fading Color Too Early

Cause: Too much light exposure.

Solution: Lower light intensity for a little while and stabilize humidity.

Yellow Leaves

Cause: Possible nutrient deficiency or root scenario.

Solution: Check the plant’s root for health and supplement as necessary.

Pest Management

• Spider Mites: Increase the humidity as well as provide neem oil.
• Aphids: Remove them by hand or as needed and use insecticidal soap.
• Fungus gnats: Use Bacillus thuringiensis on the soil.
• Scale insects: Remove with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cultivation difficult for beginners?

Zooskoon cultivation is incredibly difficult and should only be attempted by experienced growers with specialized techniques. Success is based around environmental control, which can be difficult and sometimes impossible to replicate in the realm of your typical home.

Are color changes instantaneous?

Color changes are gradual over a 24-36 hour timeframe depending on color stages. Time-lapse photography is the best way to capture this amazing process, with the greatest changes occurring during sunrise.

How often do I repot?

You should repot every 18-24 months, preferably after dormancy and before new growth. Use fresh growing medium consisting of the recommended composition, and take great care when handling the rhizomes.

What is the life-expectancy of a plant?

Under the best conditions, lives expected from the plant is 8-12 years. Due to the rhizomatous growth pattern, older parts will die-back while new growth emerges. Proper division can continue the genetic lineage indefinitely.

Can Zooskooñ be grown in combination with other plants?

Yes, but only with non-competitive species with similar growing conditions. Miniature ferns, mosses, and non-aggressive epiphytes of the cloud forest may be suitable plants to accompany Zooskooñ.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this cultivation guide for the Zooskooñ flower is based on botanical study, ethnographic documentation, and horticultural observation. Please be aware of the following:

The growth requirements outline the ideal conditions for growth but need to be adapted to your growing conditions.

There is no guarantee of success for cultivating this difficult species, even following our instructions.

The medicinal properties established in our main article are only based in cultural usage and initial research.

No claims were intended, or implied intended about efficacy for treating or preventing any medical condition.

Conservation status designations are made at a given time and may be amended with new population studies and knowledge.

Taking wild specimens without up-to-date knowledge and consultation with indigenous peoples and state or national laws is potentially illegal.

The photographs shown here represent optimum specimens grown in optimal conditions.

Your results may differ. We take no responsibility for loss or damage resulting from the use of any information in this guide. It is highly recommended that you only procure seeds or specimens from reputable, legal sources that respect the rights of indigenous peoples and the conservation value of materials.