Description of the Black Orchid
Among the many varieties of orchids, there are those that are rarely found in flower shops. These types include the black orchid. Many growers are convinced that such a flower does not exist. However, it is, just not as common as other species.
Description of the Black Orchid
Is there a black orchid
Some botanists claim that there is no black flower among all plants on earth. They explain this by the fact that no plant has the genetic pigments that form this shade. But other scientists and florists are firmly convinced that there is black color in nature, but not in its pure form. Some flowers have a maroon, deep purple or dark blue hue that is close to black.
For the first time, black orchids were discovered in Europe by an American botanist. But there is no evidence for this hypothesis. But thanks to progress in breeding, Californian botanists have been able to create hybrid species and varieties of orchids that grow black flowers. Such an unusual exotic plant quickly spread throughout the world, and now we can safely say that the black orchid exists.
Common types of black orchids
The black orchid has many species that differ in size, shape of flowers and leaves, and smells. In the wild, they mostly grow in rainforests, savannas, and even mountain slopes. They prefer warm and humid climates. Like other types of orchids, they are epiphytic plants, as they attach to other plants with their photosynthetic roots and receive all their nutrients from the air.
Maxillaria schunkeana
This type of black orchid is distinguished by its short stature and small flowers. According to the description, its maximum height is 30 cm, the diameter of the flowers is on average 2 cm. It has a thin stem and dense fleshy leaves. Flowers of this species are odorless, appear black from a distance, but their real color is deep dark purple. They have four petals that, when opened, resemble tulips in shape.
Unlike other species, Maxillaria schunkeana has inflorescences at the base of the roots. The flower stalks are very short - from 3 to 5 cm, so it seems that the flowers grow from the bulbs.
Care features
For normal life, the plant needs a warm climate and an average level of air humidity. It is necessary to constantly monitor the condition of the root part, as due to improper care, the kidneys can be damaged. You cannot fill the flower, otherwise the roots and buds will rot and rot. It should be grown in small containers.
Fredclarkeara After Dark Black Pearl
This new species is the result of crossing three other orchid species. One of its features is that it grows 4 peduncles.On average, 12 flowers appear on each peduncle, which have a sweet spicy aroma. The flowers are about 5 cm in diameter, and when opened, they also look like tulips.
The leaves of this type of orchid are juicy, fleshy, dark green in color, wither by winter. After a period of hibernation, a pseudobulb, or a false bulb, appears in the flower, that is, an aerial tuber, which is a dense sprout and in which all useful substances are collected. After the appearance of stems and leaves, starting from mid-autumn, inflorescences grow, which stay on the plant for about two months. This variety is distinguished by the frequency of flowering.
Care features
For good growth, the flower requires a warm climate and bright lighting. It should be watered sparingly, after the substrate is completely dry. During the period of shedding leaves, the orchid is especially sensitive, therefore it is necessary to fertilize it with special means. Too much fertilizer can damage the plant. Periodically, you need to change the top layer of the bark in the substrate. The transplant should be carried out at intervals of 4 years.
Paphiopedilum Pisgah Midnight
The main difference between this type of orchid is the darkest shade of flowers, which is closest to black. The flower petals have black veins; in sunlight, the petals appear maroon. The place where the lower part of the corolla passes into the limb has a rich crimson color, turning into scarlet.
Care features
This black orchid needs the same care as most other species. Air humidity should be more than 50%. The plant should be watered no more than once a week. Top dressing is best done simultaneously with watering. The flower should be grown in a transparent pot, the main component in the substrate should be tree bark.
Paphiopedilum de Nachtwacht
The flowers of this type of orchid are maroon, but appear brown in sunlight. Usually one long peduncle grows, on which a maximum of 2 flowers are formed, resembling shoes in the shape of a shoe. Leaves are medium in size, bright green in color.
A maximum of two flowers appear on the peduncle
Caring for this flower does not require additional measures. Like other species, it needs proper watering, hydration, feeding and good lighting. The only feature of caring for this variety is the temperature regime: the air temperature should be 20 ℃ (± 2 ℃).
Phalaenopsis Black Butterfly
Black phalaenopsis gets its name from the flower petals that look like the wings of a moth. The flowers are medium in size, have a dense wine shade, almost black. The lip is colored with small light white specks. The edges of the petals are also light-colored. The flowers bear a resemblance to the Phalaenopsis Tiger.
On a long peduncle, all flowers are collected in bunches. Their shade changes depending on the location: the lower flowers are darker, and the upper ones are lighter. The leaves of black phalaenopsis are oblong, fleshy, juicy, dark green.
Black Prince
This species is characterized by dark purple flowers with a light core. Their diameter is 7 cm. Depending on the growing conditions, the number of flowers on the peduncle changes. Usually the Black Prince grows up to 45-47 cm, has only one stem. All the substances necessary for life are received through the leaves and roots.
Swan
Phalaenopsis Swan has flowers of a dark shade too, but its main difference from other species is narrow petals with uneven edges. There is a noticeable similarity of flowers with another species of phalaenopsis - Morning Dawn.
This plant is not capricious, does not require special care. Watering, feeding and lighting are carried out according to the same principles as for all orchids.
Pearl
The black pearl is a relatively new species that has been bred by breeders quite recently. Compared to some other types of phalaenopsis, this flower is very large, capable of growing. Usually he has 4 peduncles, on which 15 buds are formed.
The flowers themselves are small - about 5 cm in diameter, have a pleasant aroma. When loose, they look like tulips. The flower petals are deep purple in color. Pearl's leaves are elongated, juicy, dark green, wither during dormancy.
Bird
This type of orchid has only one peduncle, the height of which varies from 25 to 40 cm. Its flowers differ in many respects from the flowers of other varieties of black phalaenopsis. They have dense waxy petals that are dark blueberry colored. The main feature of this species is the long flowering period.
Midi Harlequin
Phalaenopsis species Midi Harlequin has an unusual color of flowers. They are dark purple, but not monochromatic. White stripes and spots of various sizes and shapes appear on flower petals in a chaotic manner. This plant is unpretentious in care and maintenance conditions, and is also resistant to many diseases, pests and sudden changes in temperature and humidity levels.
Mamba
Black Mamba can grow up to 40 cm in height. In the lower part of the stem, dense, large leaves of a dark green color are densely collected. This orchid usually produces only one peduncle, on which about 10 buds are formed. The flowers are dark purple with a blue tint, the core is white. This species is in many ways similar to another phalaenopsis - Black Lightning.
Black Trezor
There is a species of orchid that has burgundy flowers, but still belongs to the black phalaenopsis. It's called Black Trezor. The wax petals of flowers of this species are painted in a thick burgundy color, which looks like black from a distance. The diameter of the flowers is approximately 6 cm.
Black trezor has no other differences from the listed types of phalaenopsis. He is unpretentious to the conditions of detention. Caring for him is the same as for other species.
Black orchid care rules
There are a number of rules for caring for a black orchid. Depending on the species and varieties, the characteristics of care sometimes change. However, there is a set of actions regarding the care and creation of conditions for the life of flowers, which is the same for all species and varieties of orchids. Here are the basic rules:
- Black orchids grow well in a warm, bright and ventilated area, so you should provide adequate lighting and periodically open a window to ventilate. It is important to prevent drafts, as the plant is sensitive to them. Also, direct sunlight should not be allowed on the flower; in the summer at noon, it is better to put it in a shaded place to avoid burning the leaves.
- Phalaenopsis should be watered sparingly and only with warm, settled water. In winter, watering is carried out once a week, in summer - 2 or 3 times, depending on the substrate. Water the plant only when the substrate is completely dry. Excess moisture leads to rotting of roots and leaves.
- The substrate should be light and loose; it is better to use pine bark, vermiculite and sphagnum - peat moss.
- Phalaenopsis should be fed during the budding period, it is advisable to apply fertilizers during watering. It is better to use special preparations for orchids.
By following these simple rules, you will not only provide your flower with proper care and living conditions, but also prevent the appearance of diseases and pests. A healthy, stress-free phalaenopsis will delight you with its unusual exotic flowers for a long time several times a year.
Conclusion
Black phalaenopsis has many species and varieties that have appeared in the process of hybridization. They have some differences from each other, but they are also similar in many ways. Their main similarity lies in the flowers of dark shades, close to black.