Black bird orchid

Description and popular types

There is no consensus on how the black orchid appeared, both among researchers and among flower growers. Some, for example, believe that the flower was stolen by George Cranleith from a South African tribe.

Others believe that the culture was artificially created by crossing several species of Phalaenopsis. Such a process is quite costly and lengthy, which can explain the scarcity of a flower. In addition, the hybrid type Phalaenopsis orchid has a rich vanilla aroma, which is its specific characteristic. Only such a plant can rightfully be called "black". And the black flowers obtained after the injection of paint into the bud are just a cheap fake.

Most, unfortunately, consider themselves to be the owners of a black orchid with a large flower, but this is wrong. In most cases, a burgundy or dark purple orchid is taken for such a flower.

Often, the ink-colored Takka flower is attributed to the Phalaenopsis, which, however, has nothing to do with this family of plants.

The most common types of black phalaenopsis orchids are:

• Maxillaria schunkeana. The species is quite rare, this orchid is of a rich dark color;
• Fredclarkeara After Dark Black Pearl - the plant is covered with dark blue flowers, which are often considered black. Sometimes these flowers are even referred to as the "Black Prince";
• Paphiopedilum Pisgah Midnight. Flowers of this species have dark veins on their petals, reminiscent of the stripes of a tiger. Therefore, the flower is called "tiger" or "tiger";
• Phalaenopsis Black Butterfly Orchids. The shape of the flower of this species resembles a wingspan, therefore it is often called "bird" or "butterfly". Its color is deep burgundy or purple. Occasionally the petals are covered with white spots;
• Paphiopedilum de Nachtwacht - the petals of a flower of this species have a burgundy color with a black tint;
• Dracula roezlii. This orchid is the owner of rich dark, almost black petals, which are dotted with small light specks.

Variety of varieties

Wild orchids will not be able to adapt to indoor conditions, they will not survive in a confined space. But there are many different varieties of phalaenopsis, bred by breeders specifically for home cultivation.

The variegated color of the flowers is simply amazing, the rich palette stretched from white and cream to burgundy and black. Phalaenopsis with yellow flowers look especially graceful and elegant, but even here it is not so simple.

Flowers can be pale yellow, almost transparent, and can cut the eye with a rich sun color. As a rule, the boles will have the brightest core.

The following varieties will delight in yellow shades (photos are posted below under this list):

• Wutuvoi Dream,
• Solid Gold,
• Golden Embers ‘Yellow Butterflies’
• Bee Sting,
• Fuller's Sunset,
• Anthura Gold and Domenica,
• Gold Rush,
• Dragon's Charm,
• Meraldy Breckenbridge.

All these varieties are characterized by a contrasting color of the lip, it can be red, white, purple, spotted, speckled.

Wutuvoi Dream.

Solid Gold.

Golden Embers ‘Yellow Butterflies’.

Bee Sting.

Fuller's Sunset.

Anthura Gold.

Gold rush - not exactly yellow, of course, but some yellowness is visible.

Care

Having a tropical origin, the indoor beauty requires increased attention to herself. Flower care is divided into equal segments, such as:

Substrate

For this variety, ordinary garden soil, of course, will not work. High drainage capacity and good aeration are considered important indicators when creating a substrate. You can purchase a ready-made mixture at a flower shop. With experience, it is worthwhile to independently mix the appropriate components: crushed pine bark, soil, moss, pumice, etc. The ratio of the components should be approximately the same.

Temperature and humidity

Everyone knows about the whimsicality of orchids.

As for the temperature regimes, then, of course, one should take into account the importance of the constant difference between daytime and nighttime.The temperature difference between day and night should be stable and kept at the level of 5-7 degrees

In general, the temperature range well accepted by flowers is 18-22 degrees.

Depending in part on temperature and watering methods, humidity plays an important role in flower life.

In general, black Phalaenopsis love slightly damp soil, but you should not overdo it.

Lighting, watering and feeding

Direct sunlight is contraindicated for a dark orchid, but diffused, either morning or sunset light, will benefit this orchid variety.

There are several types of watering that are suitable for this type. Before proceeding with moistening the flower, you need to conduct an external examination of the condition of the plant.

The appearance of a flower can tell if it needs moisture.

It is also important to check the soil moisture level.

Methods:

A black orchid can be bathed with a gentle shower. This should be done for a few minutes, until the substrate is completely moisturized. After that, you need to allow excess water to drain through the holes in the container and leave the flower alone for 30 minutes. Repeat this procedure every 2 weeks. In winter, it is worth stopping swimming.
Tray watering is the least time consuming method of caring for a black orchid. The size of the pallet is selected according to the size of the flower. The height of the drainage system in the plant pot is taken into account. Water is poured into the tray, and the precious-looking root system itself absorbs the right amount of moisture

Also, this method provides the necessary air humidity around the flower, which is sometimes so important for its growth and good flowering.
Immersion. This method is considered one of the best.

The entire pot is slowly immersed in a container with water at room temperature. The time it can be kept under water varies from 30-50 seconds to half an hour. Then the moisture must be allowed to drain. Do not immerse all flowers in the same water to avoid disease transmission.
Surface moisture and watering. This is the application of water in a thin stream on the entire surface of the substrate until excess moisture begins to flow out of the holes.

Fertilization processes are activated during the active phase of flower development, which precedes the formation of the peduncle. During the flowering period, feeding must be suspended. During the rest period, it is also not worth adding additional nutrients to the soil.

Does a flower exist in nature?

According to biologists, in nature, black does not exist at all in the form in which it is familiar to man. The shade, as close as possible to black, is provided by special pigments, which can be violet, dark purple, blue. Therefore, the phalaenopsis of supposedly black color is in fact usually maroon, dark purple and even dark blue. Visually, such a plant looks black, but the difference can only be noticed upon closer examination of its petals. Since initially the difference from black in such shades is not very noticeable, the black orchid got this name.

Varieties of dark phalaenopsis

Science knows several varieties of orchids that differ from their counterparts in the very dark color of the petals. Of course, they stand out among all the varieties of phalaenopsis:

1. Maxillaria schunkeana. It is a short, odorless plant with rather small flowers. At the first glance at the flowers, the feeling is created that their petals have a rich black color. But upon closer examination, it becomes obvious that the flower has a maroon color. It should be noted that this variety is very rare.
2. Fredclarkeara After Dark Black Pearl. The second name of this variety of orchids is "Black Prince". The flowers of the plant are really pearls of dark purple or dark blue color, with a bright sweet and at the same time spicy aroma.
3. Paphiopedilum Pisgah Midnight. The flowers of the plant are dark purple in color with clear black veins. It is because of them that this species is also called the "Black Tiger" orchid.
4. Paphiopedilum de Nachtwacht. The petals of this plant are dark burgundy or dark brown. The orchid is characterized by two large flowers, which are located on a long peduncle.
5. Phalaenopsis Black Butterfly Orchids. The flowers of these exotic orchids are maroon or dark purple in color and are very similar to the wings of butterflies. Therefore, this type of phalaenopsis is called "bird" or "butterfly". On the edges of the petals and on the lip of the flower, you can see white specks, which indicate that the plant is quite comfortable and happy with everything.
6. Dracula roezlii. Very dark petals of these flowers cover small light spots.

Black orchid - myth or reality?

Rationalists are firmly convinced that black does not exist in the plant world at all, since there is no genetic pigmentation that is responsible for the ideal black shade. Consequently, the existence of a mythical flower is just a fiction, and beautiful pictures with its image are the fruit of computer graphics.

However, romantics insist on the opposite. Moreover, in support of their beliefs, they cite the fact of the spread of the black orchid in Europe by a certain George Cranleith. The botanist allegedly, while traveling along the shores of South America at the risk of his life, got hold of a rare plant and told about it to the whole world. But there is no documentary evidence of this.

Scientists explain the phenomenon of the flower with rich variations of maroon and dark blue shades. However, if you look closely, they can be found in any black color. So, perhaps, a black orchid lives in the wild moist forests on the seashores somewhere on the globe, but the breeders did their bit by delighting the ardent florists with new hybrids. Californian botanists achieved particular success, who managed not only to develop varieties of black orchids, but also to patent them. Obviously, there is a wonderful flower, and in order to acquire it, you do not need to wander into the dense American jungle, you just need to go to any flower shop.

Optimal conditions of detention

Exotic black phalaenopsis need conditions as close as possible to their natural habitat. For normal development and abundant flowering, they need moisture, sun and warmth, that is, conditions similar to a tropical environment.

When growing orchids, it is very important to provide them with the required temperature regime. The most suitable temperature range is considered to be within 18-22 °

Maintaining the temperature at the specified level will stimulate abundant and prolonged flowering of plants. If the air temperature in the room where the orchids grow is unstable, then the phalaenopsis simply will not bloom.

No less important for phalaenopsis and moisture, which should be present both in the substrate and in the air. These tropical flowers do not tolerate a moisture deficit, in which they begin to form buds less often and in fewer quantities. However, excess moisture can be no less harmful for these exotic species. An excessively waterlogged substrate can lead to rotting of the roots and, as a result, the death of plants.

The optimal level of air humidity when growing orchids is considered by flower growers to be an interval of 30-40%. If the air in the room is dry, the leaves of plants will begin to wrinkle, losing their juiciness and natural turgor. To prevent this from happening, phalaenopsis should be regularly sprayed with a spray bottle. A wide bowl of water located near the pots will also provide the plants with moisture.

It is also important to provide good ventilation in the room where exotic plants grow. Oxygen deficiency negatively affects both their condition and the duration of flowering.

Regular ventilation will help to ensure the flow of fresh air to the plants, during which the orchids should be removed from the windowsill, preventing them from being in a draft.

Black orchids are very demanding for sunlight.Insufficient light is one of the common reasons why these exotic plants do not bloom. If the daylight hours are less than 12 hours, then the plants simply do not have enough time and energy to form buds and ripen them. To compensate for the lack of light, it is recommended to supplement orchids with a fluorescent lamp.

However, in an effort to provide maximum illumination to orchids, it should not be forgotten that direct sunlight can negatively affect the state of delicate flowers and leaves.

Description of black orchid species

Black orchid ... What is it about it that could win the hearts of millions and highlight among the whole variety of orchids in the world? After all, each variety has something to surprise admirers of flower beauty.

The mysterious flower attracts with a delicate vanilla aroma. Black orchid flowers, playing with different highlights, enchant with sophistication. Each variety has something unique.

Today scientists are proud of dozens of new names. Consider the features of the most beautiful and sought-after.

Maxillaria schunkeana

This rarest species exists in all its pristine nature in the wild. His specimens were found in the Brazilian Espirito Santo on the Atlantic coast of the rainforest at an altitude of 700 - 3500 m above sea level.

Characteristic features are short stature, small flowers and lack of odor. The stems and foliage grow to a maximum of 25-30 cm, and the flowers reach a diameter of about 1.5-2 cm. The color of a dark orchid in poor lighting really looks black, but if you look closely, a dark purple tint is noticeable. By the way, among all types of black orchids, this shade is the most intense. It has four petals, opening, they resemble the shape of a tulip. Inflorescences are located in the root part. Since the peduncle is about 3 - 5 cm long, it seems that the maxillaria emerge directly from the bulbs. Indoors, the plant prefers warm, moderately humid air. The root part requires careful attitude, since any unprofessional intervention threatens to damage the kidneys, their beauty. Also, the flower will not forgive you for the swampy slurry in the pot. It is recommended to plant such unique ones in small bowls.

Fredclarkeara After Dark Black Pearl

The species is the result of a complex interspecific hybridization of the catasetum, mormodes and clovesia. A mature orchid produces four peduncles, each of which has 10 to 15 flowers with a diameter of up to 5 cm. Black flowers with a sweet spicy scent resemble the shape of tulips; they form a brush on the peduncle. The leaves are juicy, bright green, die off for the winter.

After hibernation, the roots, together with the stem, release a kind of pseudobulb, which is a thickened sprout. The reserves of nutrients are concentrated in it. When the green biomass has finished growing, inflorescences are formed. As a rule, this period falls on October - November. The juiciness of the petals lasts up to 8 weeks. A typical feature of the variety is the periodicity in flowering. In care, he prefers a moderately warm temperature regime and bright lighting. Cultivated at home without problems

It is important not to overdo it with watering and fertilizing during the period of dropping foliage. It is better not to disturb the plant at this time.

Paphiopedilum Pisgah Midnight

Of all types of black orchids, these are distinguished by the darkest dense tones. The flowering inflorescences are monochromatic, often dark purple, with clear black veins on the petals. With sun glare, a pleasant burgundy tint appears on them. In shape, the flowers resemble a slipper, folded from three petals. The throat is crimson with a smooth transition to scarlet, the middle is yellow. In leaving, the flower does not differ from other papiopedilums. The plant needs a substrate from tree bark and a transparent container, frequent humidification of the air, timely watering and feeding.

Paphiopedilum de Nachtwacht

The maroon orchid shimmers with a brown tint in the sun.On a long peduncle, no more than two large shoe-shaped flowers appear at the same time. The leaves are small, elongated, bright, contrasting against the background of a dark peduncle. For the full development of the flowerpot, the room temperature should be in the range of 18-22 degrees. Like all papiopedilums, this variety requires loose, well-drained soil.

Phalaenopsis Black Butterfly

Black orchid from the genus Phalaenopsis got the name of the variety due to the dark petals that resemble wings butterflies. Magnificent flowering clusters have a rich wine shade. The delicacy of the flower is given by the delicate white speck on the lip. Under favorable conditions, small specks appear on the edges of the petals. The leaves are oblong, juicy, dark green. The peduncle is long. It is characteristic that all the lower flowers are of dark condensed shades, and the higher they are located, the lighter their petals.

Watering

Watering is probably one of the most delicate aspects of orchid care. The water must be soft enough to almost completely eliminate tap water, which usually contains dilute salts. They concentrate in the substrate and roots of plants, disrupting their growth and flowering.

Watering the plant

Any description of the irrigation procedure says that it is advisable to use rainwater. But this is quite difficult, because few people will be able to collect and store water every time it rains.

As a substitute, you can use bottled water with a low content of mineral salts, sodium, calcium. Orchids usually do not need a lot of water to bloom.

Water should be watered only when the surface of the ground is practically dry. Therefore, this should be done about twice a week in the spring and summer, during the hottest months; and every two weeks in winter and autumn. In the period from March to October, it is advisable to add a small amount of special fertilizers to the water.

To water properly, follow these instructions:

1. Orchids prefer a moderately moist substrate because if it is too moist, the roots cannot breathe and will rot.
2. It is best to leave the substrate dry by watering it a day later. Therefore, the frequency of watering will depend on the ambient temperature.
3. You can make sure the plant needs water if the substrate is dry to the touch or if the roots are whitish. If they are green, then no watering is needed.
4. Watering should be abundant without flooding the roots.
5. The water should be at room temperature.

Care should be taken not to moisturize the flowers to avoid staining. It is also necessary to avoid getting water on the surface of the leaves.

Attention! An orchid needs a high level of humidity, ranging from 60 to 80%

Varieties of "black" phalaenopsis

Black butterfly

On the long peduncle of Phalaenopsis Butterfly, there are clusters of medium-sized flowers of a thick wine shade with small light specks, their petals resemble the wings of a fluttering butterfly, which gives the plant an airy light exotic look.

Dtps. Black Butterfly

Black Swan

This orchid is distinguished by narrow, fluttering flowers of a deep almost black color. It does not have any special requirements for care, except for those that all representatives of this species need. Was described above in the text at the very beginning of the article.

Doritaenopsis Ever Spring Prince "Black Swan" - Black swan.

Black Pearl

The Black Pearl is the result of painstaking work of breeders, thanks to which we can enjoy the sight of this amazing flower. During the flowering period, it produces up to four peduncles, each of which forms up to 15 medium-sized (5 cm in diameter) tulip-shaped flowers with a delicate spicy aroma.

Against the background of dark green elongated leaves that die off during dormancy, these delicate strong deep purple flowers look very impressive.

Black Pearl.

Black bird

It can reach a height of 26 - 40 cm, produces one peduncle, on which blueberry-colored wax dense flowers are formed, characterized by a long flowering time.

Black Bird.

Midi Harlequin

Harlequin is distinguished by its unpretentiousness and resilience. Light spots of various shapes that appear in a chaotic manner give an amazing look to these flowers.

Photo of Phalaenopsis Harlequin Mini, dark color.

Mamba

This type of phalaenopsis forms one peduncle, on which there are up to 10 blue-black flowers with a white core.

In height, it can reach 40 cm, the rosette of dense dense dark green leaves emphasizes the beauty and exoticism of this plant.

Black mamba (Black Mambo).

Black Trezor

Phalaenopsis with burgundy waxy flowers reaching 6 cm in diameter has long been the dream of many flower growers. The color of the petals is so dense that visually the flowers seem almost black.

It is unpretentious in care, makes the same requirements to the growing conditions as other varieties of phalaenopsis.

Phalaenopsis Black Tresor.

Common diseases and pests of black orchids

How sad it is when a tropical beauty loses its original appeal. Leaf plates are the first to suffer. They turn yellow and fade unnaturally.

They appear:

• cracks;
• growths;
• dark spots;
• marbled color;
• red dots.

The root system, stems, buds and flowers are often affected.

The following diseases are the cause:

• late blight;
• brown, dry and white rot;
• phomopsis;
• rust;
• alternaria.

To restore the flower to its former beauty, treatment is carried out. For this, special preparations are used, using the instructions provided.

Unfortunately, black orchids are affected not only by diseases, but also by pests. They settle on the substrate or the plant itself.

The most common are:

• ticks;
• thrips;
• moths;
• scabbards;
• aphid;
• slugs;
• midges;
• springtails;
• podura.

All kinds of insecticides that are sold in specialized stores will help get rid of them. Only timely treatment will protect the black orchid from hated pests.

Care features

Unpretentiousness in conditions and care made the white orchid one of the most popular flowers for home cultivation.

Optimal conditions of detention

The optimal conditions for growing a white orchid are:

• diffused light;
• 14 hour daylight hours;
• maintaining the temperature at the level of 22-24 ° С;
• observance of humidity (at low humidity, daily irrigation with "rain fog"), avoiding the ingress of moisture into the flower socket;
• a transparent plastic pot with sufficient drainage holes;
• no draft.

An example of a phalaenopsis pot.

Flowering time and dormant period at home

Florists should be aware that predominantly all varieties of white orchids are distinguished by long flowering. They also have practically no rest period. Of course, if conditions are acceptable for her and proper care is provided.

The season does not affect the flowering time. Usually, white phalaenopsis blooms for about six months and begins to bloom again with a short break.

Watering and feeding

One of the most important stages in growing any type of orchid is proper watering and timely dosed feeding.

Watering is carried out in two ways - watering can and immersion. During the flowering period, it is best to provide watering with a watering can, then the risk of damage to the buds is reduced.

Saturation of the substrate with moisture is carried out by gently watering along the edge of the pot once a week. During the rest period or before the flowers appear, the immersion method is used, lowering the pot in a container of water for a couple of minutes.

Important! Water for irrigation should be settled, soft and not cold. The optimum water temperature for irrigation is +28 ° С

Frequent watering is excluded.

For full development and flowering, additional feeding is necessary.It is produced several times a month with special complex fertilizers for orchids:

• in the summer and during the flowering period, it is carried out 2-3 times a month, preferably with a reduced dosage;
• in the cool season, feeding is reduced to 1 time per month.

If there are no buds on the peduncle, then no feeding is done.

Stimulating flowering

An artificially created small stress state stimulates the phalaenopsis to bloom. To do this, the plant is removed for 8-10 hours in a room with a temperature of about +18 °, and then returned to its usual place with a warm temperature.

You can also use special preparations that stimulate the orchid to form peduncles. These include: "Bud", "Blossom", "Ovary", etc.

Pruning after flowering

Cutting the peduncle of white phalaenopsis is recommended in two cases:

1. If the peduncle is too long, which spoils its aesthetic appearance for the owner, its arrow is shortened;
2. When it turns yellow. If this happens, then it is cut off completely.

After shopping in the store

Taking care of a flower after purchasing it in a store depends on the condition in which you purchased it:

• How does it keep in the pot?
• Is it sustainable?
• Does it bloom or when has it faded?
• Substrate condition, etc.

If the substrate is in good condition and the plants in it are stable enough, then no transplant is required. An exception is the replacement of a flower pot that you do not like.

For acclimatization, it is better to remove the flower for a while in a shaded and well-ventilated place. Usually 3-5 days are enough for the plant to acclimatize to new conditions.

It is worth feeding the orchid with complex fertilizers, reducing the proposed dosage by 2-3 times

Particular attention should be paid to the root system and ensure it is properly watered: spilling - drying

Top dressing with complex fertilizer.

Attention! In case of a forced transplant, you should purchase a new substrate and create all the necessary conditions.

Prevention of diseases and pests

Experienced orchidists recommend that after purchasing a flower in a store, treat it with a fungicide to prevent diseases. Also carefully examine the root system and remove diseased parts, disinfect the substrate and the pot.

When growing, strictly monitor watering, indoor humidity, temperature, illumination, etc., since a deviation from the required conditions can lead to flower disease.

For preventive measures, timely, dosed top dressing has proven itself well. They serve to boost the plant's immune system.

The most beautiful and rarest varieties

Phalaenopsis never cease to amaze both the shape of the flower itself and its color. No wonder the most beautiful orchids are also the rarest. I would like to highlight the following rare colors:

• ghost orchid;

• Slippers Lady with petals in yellow and purple shades;

• Hockstetter variety;

• Phalaenopsis Coleman Coral Root;

• Rothschild's slipper.

• Dragon's mouth;

• sky blue Sun Orchid;

• Hawaiian swamp;

• Phalaenopsis Bull;

• Three Birds.

All of them are found in the wild, but very rarely grow domestically.

Speckled

There are many varieties of phalaenopsis with spotted flowers, all of them are usually bred by crossing two or more species. As a rule, they are ordered from the catalog, but no company can give a 100% guarantee that the stem will bloom like this.

During the flowering period, the specks can be scattered randomly throughout the flower, while on the peduncle all flowers can be different. But there are stems that from generation to generation retain one specific color.

Fal. Faro.

Ever Spring King.

Kanjer.

Valensia. Where are the spots? Well, I saw

Reality or myth: a flower shrouded in mystery

The world scientific community still cannot give an unequivocal answer where this miracle of nature came from.There is a claim that the black orchid was discovered by George Cranleith (a botanist naturalist) in the South American continent. He stole the flower from local tribes, where the black orchid was considered a sacred untouchable plant. Finding the loss of their totem, the natives caught the thief and subjected him to terrible torture. Despite the fact that the scientist's act was reckless, it was thanks to him, as many believe, that mankind learned about the magnificent mysterious plant - the black orchid.

More pragmatic people are sure that the above story is a myth and in fact, the black flower was bred by Californian scientists, by breeding some varieties of Phalaenopsis. The creation of such a hybrid is a very complex process that requires significant financial investments. The main feature of the hybrid orchid is its aroma, it is saturated with a hint of vanilla. Only a hybrid phalaenopsis can be called a black orchid. Some growers use chemicals to color the inflorescences. To do this, an angle with a coloring agent is made in the peduncle of a white orchid, because of which the shade of the flower itself changes, as can be seen in the photo.

Scientists are sure that there are no black colors in nature itself, such a pigment, in principle, does not exist. These are just very dark shades of purple, purple, or burgundy.