18 Rare Black Orchids (With Images And Care Guide)  - Garden For Indoor (2024)

The black orchid is a mysterious flower whose origins and existence are still hotly debated. Suppose you’re growing an orchid that’s any other color.

In that case, you might hear people argue that the black petals result from clever painting.

Not even a live flower can make them change their minds. Nonetheless, black orchids exist, and they have a sizable fan base due to their exquisite beauty.

Does Black Orchid Exist In Nature?

According to scientists, there is no black color in the form that is known to man.

Special pigments, purple, dark purple, or blue, provide color as close to black as possible.

It turns out that Phalaenopsis, which is thought to be black, is actually dark maroon, purple, or even dark blue.

A plant of this type appears black at first glance, but the difference is only visible if you examine the petals closely.

The black orchid got its name because the difference between such shades of black is initially not very noticeable.

Interesting!

Monnierara Millennium Magic ‘Witchcraft’ was awarded by the American Orchid Society on October 12, 2013, for having bred a variety whose coloring is considered the closest to black.

Orchid Distribution Regions In Nature

Most people believe that delicate orchids can only be found in tropical regions, but this is not the case at all.

Botanists say that the Orchid family can be found on every continent except Antarctica and the Arctic, in every climate zone, and more than 30,000 different kinds.

Even the most common domestic genus, Phalaenopsis, has 50 distinct varieties.

It’s challenging to come across a pure black orchid. The petals of many plants have white spots or pinkish-white streaks that stand out against the dark color of the flower.

This is usually done by nature to draw the attention of bugs.

Nonetheless, dark-colored phalaenopsis can be found in the wilds of Thailand, the Philippines, and Australia.

Therefore, it is worth noting that this color is not actually black.

Orchid In A Uniform Black Color

If the flower in the store is uniformly black, it is an artificially dyed fake.

This means that the second and subsequent blooms of this Phalaenopsis will be white, as they are the best at absorbing the pigment.

It can be done in numerous ways, including:

• The pigment is applied with watering: The method is time-consuming, but it does not harm the plant in any way.
• With injection: The petals turn color much faster than watering, but the plant is stressed, and these flowers often die.

Suppose you want an orchid that is truly black in color. In that case, you’ll have to go with a hybrid Phalaenopsis, which is more expensive than other varieties.

Descriptions Of Various Black Orchid Varieties With Images

As a rare and unusual indoor plant, the interest in Liana with distinctive petals has not faded.

Black-colored orchids are extremely rare, and they’re not typically found on the windowsills of most homes.

However, thanks to the efforts of breeders, there are a variety of dark-colored orchids, most commonly a black Phalaenopsis orchid.

[1] Phalaenopsis Black Prince (Ever spring prince)

“Black Prince” is a Phalaenopsis thought to be the blackest flower in existence.

Actually, this flower’s unusual color is a deep purple that looks more like an inky hue.

A feature of this Phalaenopsis variety is the white markings in the center of the flower.

The height of the plant can range from 17-20 inches (45 to 50cm). The diameter of the flower can reach 2.5 inches (7 cm).

The number of flowers on the flower stalk of this Phalaenopsis can change, depending on the plant’s characteristics and the way it’s grown and looked after.

[2] Maxillaria schunkeana ‘Black Velvet’

The rich burgundy hue of the flowers makes them almost black. Peduncles are very short, and small blooming flowers are found near pseudobulbs. The structure is velvety.

Flowers, despite their diminutive size, do not go unnoticed. There are many people out there who want to own this unique orchid.

On one peduncle grows one flower with a small diameter of 2 cm.

As of 2007, it was ranked in the top 10 monocots of the genus Brasiliorchis from the Orchid family.

The name of the genus was derived from the Latin word maxilla, which means “jawbone or jaw.” Some species have a ‘lip,’ which looks like a protruding chin.

Another theory suggests that maxillaria’s name is derived from its resemblance to insect jaws. But, in fact, this plant wasn’t officially recognized until the early 1800s.

[3] Dracula (Dracula roezlii)

The flower known as “monkey face” is truly exotic, both in terms of rarity and its peculiar appearance.

It can be found in Ecuador and Colombia in its natural habitat. The plant is small and has flowers with dark blue veins on them.

It’s not particularly fragrant, but watering brings out the scent. Smells like freshly mowed lawns.

Like other Dracula orchids, this one has a movable lip. The peduncle takes a long time to grow, about three months.

The flower’s color ranges from burgundy to dark brown. Keeps for 5-7 days before starting to develop a new one.

[4] Fredclarkeara After Dark ‘SVO Black Pearl’

The Black Pearl is a hybrid orchid, the product of many years of labor by orchid breeders.

The plant produces up to four flower stalks during the flowering period, on which the unusually shaped flowers bloom.

The petals have a butterfly shape to them. It is a prolific bloomer, and the buds are evenly spaced out along the flower stalk.

When the flowers are in full bloom, they are arranged alternatingly.

There’s nothing quite like combining the plant’s emerald green leaves with its purple-burgundy flowers to draw attention.

[5] Cymbidium (Cymbidium kiwi midnight)

The epiphyte known as the king of orchids bears this moniker. The plant can be found in Australia and Asia. Orchids rely on trees for support when they grow on their trunks.

Even though it has leaf plates with pointed tips and vertical orientation, the cymbidium’s natural appeal is in its spectacular flowering display.

A single flower stalk can support up to 30 buds at once! The orchid is referred to as a “living bouquet” for this reason.

[6] Paphiopedilum Black Jack

This orchid is unique because it produces 10-15 flowers, each about 6-7 cm in diameter, on a single flower stalk.

At their tallest, the flower stalks stand at 24 inches (60 cm). Flowers with a rich wine hue stand out in the sunlight. The lip color is dark, but it has a green undertone.

The petals have a ribbed appearance, and the tips of the petals have tiny, barely visible white veins. The edges of the sepals are slightly wavy.

[7] Paphiopedilum Midnight (Paphiopedilum Pisgah Midnight)

Petals in a deep burgundy color with dark veining give this flower an incredible allure. The plant’s stigma is slightly lighter than the tips of the petals.

[8] Paphiopedilum De Nachtwacht

You can only tell the difference in color between the only large flower’s dark brown and black hues if you’re in the right light. It makes the flower look very dark without it.

[9] Black Butterfly (Phalaenopsis Black Butterfly)

This kind of flower has dark purple petals with small spots of light color that look like the wings of a butterfly. Even though it has only one flower stalk, it is covered in numerous tiny flowers.

[10] Fredclarkeara After Dark

They have a strong fragrance, making this a valuable and sought-after variety. There can be up to 25 dark maroon flowers on a single flower stalk.

With proper care, an adult plant can produce four flower stalks. It is a hybrid orchid that belongs to the genus Catasetum.

It is considered one of the most beautiful orchids in the world. The flower stems are arranged in a brush-like fashion as they dangle downward.

[11] Black Bird

This phalaenopsis has large, blueberry-colored flowers on a single flower stalk. Long, showy blooms make this plant stand out. In addition, the large, waxy flowers have an appealing sheen.

[12] Vanda

A herbaceous perennial flower with a single vertically oriented stem. The plant’s nearly one-meter-tall trunk is entirely covered by leaf plates arranged in a single plane along its length.

Interesting!

Unlike other orchids, the vanda orchid’s flowers can continue to grow even after they’ve been fully bloomed.

The vandas with purple and deep purple colors are the ones that are most commonly referred to as black orchids.

[13] Doritaenopsis Little Black Pearl

As with phalaenopsis, the Doritenopsis orchids are best suited for first-time growers because they require the least attention.

Doritaenopsis Little Black Pearl is a monopodial plant, which means that the flower is attached to a single vertical stem. At the base of the plant, the leaves form a rosette.

The Doritaenopsis Little Black Pearl is the one that is most frequently subjected to artificial dark coloring.

As a result, they are passed off as black orchids. This is due to the petals’ boiling-white (or rare pale blue, light gray) color.

[14] Cymbidium Cali Night

A little chocolate flower with a dark, velvety lip. Lip and petal margins have a delicate glow to them. On the petals, dark grooves are clearly visible.

[15] Paphiopedilum Wössner Black Wings

On a dark flower stalk, the original wine-colored slipper is found. The flower’s color is a solid waxy hue with no bright spots. The leaves are also dark in color and have veins.

[16] Phalaenopsis Kaoda Twinkle

This hybrid was first registered in the United Kingdom in 2011.

The dark beet-colored petals contrast with the white lip. The lip sometimes has burgundy speckles. The waxy, odorless flowers stand out from the rest.

They have a unique texture that reminds me of leather embossing.

They have 4-5 cm long petals that bend slightly backward when fully open. Each additional flower reduces its overall size.

There are typically many branches on a single flower stalk, resulting in a lush bush of tiny florets. It’s a stunning sight.

The rosette is also tiny, with leaves more diminutive than a palm, and takes up little space.

This cultivar is available in a variety of forms. The flowers have a distinct scent and a slightly different color.

[17] Phalaenopsis Black Face

Phalaenopsis with neon edging around the petals’ edges, near the column, and along its lip in dark cherry color.

Create a glistening effect. The white stripes on the lip add a touch of elegance. The diameter is approximately 7-8 cm.

[18] Phalaenopsis Black Swan

Elegant phalaenopsis with unique-looking flowers. Phalaenopsis flowers are distinguished by their dense purple hue and beautifully outlined yellow center.

Among the plant’s distinguishing characteristics is its ease of growing.

The Main Characteristics of Orchid Flowering

If you haven’t seen one of these dark beauties in bloom before, you’re missing out on an unforgettable experience.

How Long Does It Take An Orchid To Bloom?

Quite a long time, but it all depends on how well you’re keeping it. With the proper care and place, flowers will bloom twice a year with a short rest period in between.

How Long Do Orchids Bloom For?

A well-cared-for exotic can take up to six months to bloom, depending on the variety.

However, budding and flower opening typically take two to three months on average.

How to Get Orchids to Bloom

Most of the time, the plant comes into the house with flowers. But, unfortunately, after the florist is careless or inconsiderate, you might have to wait for years for new buds to appear.

Because of this, there are several reasons:

• There is damage to the plant’s roots.
• The watering schedule has been disrupted;
• the temperature is incorrect;
• A lack of light or an opaque pot may be to blame.

Important!

Do not plant orchids in anything but clear containers because their roots, like their leaves and flowers, require ample exposure to light.

There are many ways to encourage the plant to produce new flower stalks.

1. Place the plant in a dark area for 10-14 days. It’s ideal if you can find a nook in a bathroom or basem*nt under the sink. Cool air, humidity, and darkness are three stressful conditions that must be met.
2. Use phytolamps to add extra light to the plant. Orchids need a lot of light, and in the apartment, they don’t get much of it, especially in the winter months.
3. Use succinic acid. This is an excellent trace element for root, leaf, and stem nourishment; it will do wonders for your orchid.
4. Flowering can be accelerated by using a growth stimulant. The reviving process can be sped up by taking remedial action in a stressful situation. Transplantation or relocation of the flower, for example, is an example of this.
5. A hot shower. Let the water soak in for about 30 minutes, and then wash the flower with hot water 86-95°F (30-35°C). That’s all it takes, not even a minute or two! Flowering will occur if you repeat this every seven days until then.

Attention!

Do not use water that has a temperature greater than 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.

Planting Black Orchid

It’s not difficult to plant black orchids because it’s the same for all plants. However, suppose you’re a novice in exotic flower care.

In that case, the finer points of choosing the soil and container can be a bit overwhelming.

Soil

Ideally, orchids’ soil should be loose and breathable, but it should also retain a high level of moisture. In this way, soil includes:

• Sphagnum moss,
• Coconut fiber,
• Tree bark and
• Charcoal.

The proportions of the different parts of the soil may be different depending on the brand of the soil manufacturer.

It’s not a good idea to make the mixture on your own because some soil elements might have pest eggs in them.

Appropriate Container Type

I already said that the pot should be clear so that the roots can get some sunlight.

In addition, take into account things like:

1. The presence of drain holes. In the absence of these, stagnant moisture can lead to root rot.
2. The pot must be large enough to hold the root ball and have enough room for the soil to be spread out.
3. The pot’s height should be equal to the diameter of its neck.

Planting Techniques

When you plant a flower, you have to be careful not to hurt the roots. Otherwise, it’s not very different from planting any other plant.

To get started, here are the instructions:

• Before you plant, be sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize the pot.
• Add a layer of drainage to the bottom.
• It’s time to cover it with dirt.
• Sow the orchid in the pot, taking care not to unravel its roots as you do so.
• Then, backfill it with soil.

Repotting

Consider the following warning signs as an indication that transplantation is just around the corner!

• Roots are protruding from the pot because it is too small for them.
• The soil’s decomposing bark has turned into trash.
• The roots are rotten;
• Pests are taking over.

Repotting is performed on a regular schedule every three to four years.

One of the main reasons for switching containers is that the plant’s root system has grown so large that the previous container can no longer accommodate it.

Put the orchid in water for a few hours before transplanting so that the roots can absorb moisture.

Then, they will be more flexible, which will make them less likely to be broken or hurt.

You can transplant your orchid at any time of the year. However, the work is best done within a week to a week and a half after flowering.

However, when the roots have grown out of the pot’s holes and are clinging to it, it may be necessary to cut or break the container to remove it.

Remove the root ball from the soil, wash it, and then disinfect it with hydrogen peroxide.

Then inspect it for any damaged or dried-out fragments.

To remove all damaged parts, use a sharp knife to cut them out and then dust the cuts with charcoal.

Then, the planting process goes on in the usual way.

Maintenance and Care

Contrary to popular belief, the orchid is a challenging and resilient plant that doesn’t require obsessive adherence to a rigid regimen to flourish.

Things to Do After making a purchase

Experienced florists don’t think it’s a good idea to repot the flower right away after you buy it. This is because orchids don’t grow in soil that can be moved with ease.

Instead, garden stores use bark, coconut fiber, sphagnum, and charcoal to keep things fresh in the store.

After that, you can place the pot with the orchid for a few days in a dark, cool room with high humidity, where it will survive the stress of being transported from the store to your home.

Then, after a few days, you can move the pot to where it will stay.

Optimal Conditions For Keeping

The ideal daytime temperature for the plant is 68-77 °F (20-25 °C), while the perfect night temperature is at least 65 °F (18 °C). Avoid drafts, sudden temperature changes, and air that is too dry.

Watering

Water orchids only by placing them in a tray of water. The whitened roots of orchids are a sign that they need to be watered.

The water should be warm at 68-72 °F/20-22 °C and soft. It is best to let tap water sit for 48 hours before using it.

Root And Foliar Feeding

There are two ways to apply fertilizer:

• Roots are fed by watering;
• By spraying the leaves – foliar application

Foliar application can be used for various reasons, including if the plant’s roots have been damaged. The foliar application will help the plant survive.

It takes a lot less time to get to where they need to be. This way, the plant receives extra help during the growing season.

When the orchid enters its active growing season, it requires a lot of sunlight and water.

Begin applying micronutrients once the buds have formed to keep the flower strong. Fertilizers are used by the directions for the whole time the plant is flowering.

Take a break from feeding and watering as soon as you see the last of your flowers fade away.

Pruning after Flowering

When the orchid is growing, it doesn’t need to be pruned. However, once the flowering has stopped, the wilted bud is cut with a sharp, sterile tool to 2 cm above the bud and under the bud with a sharp, clean tool.

Out of this bud will grow another flower stalk.

Methods of propagation

Orchids can be propagated vegetatively in the following ways:

• Using stem cuttings;
• By dividing the plant
• Propagate an orchid from keikis (means orchid baby)
• New plants can be grown from seeds.

Pests and Diseases

Spider mites and thrips are the most common pests to attack orchid flowers.

Isolate the infested plant and treat it with an insecticide like neem oil or rubbing alcohol.

The following diseases can affect orchids:

• Infection with fungi.
• Bacterial rotting.
• Gray rot.
• Anthracnose;
• Spots on the leaves.

We recommend following a watering schedule, keeping the temperature comfortable, and keeping drafts to a minimum to keep diseases at bay.

The care of a black orchid at home isn’t very different from the care of other orchids, but the rich dark color of the flowers is worth a little extra work.