Black orchid breathes sophistication and aristocracy. To see it is a rare case, which seems to millions of fans of the flower world a pipe dream rather than a reality. Her name today is given to women's perfumes, novels and movies. A fragile flower, shrouded in mystery and mysticism, but at the same time, it hypnotically attracts with its perfection, grace and mysterious elegance. Many torment themselves with doubts about its existence, while passionate collectors with confidence extolled the orchid Olympus. Is there really a black orchid - try to reveal the mystery of the mysterious flower.
Did you know? For a long time flower growers puzzled, from where rumors about this unique specimen spread. Legends attributed to a flower the descent from tears of unrequited love and even from black magic. And the Ecuadorian aborigines believed in the patronage of a black orchid and protected it as a priceless totem.
Black Orchid - Myth or Reality?
Rationalists firmly believe that black in the plant world does not exist at all, because there is no genetic pigmentation, which is responsible for the perfect black shade. Consequently, the existence of a mythical flower is only fiction, and beautiful pictures with its image are the fruit of computer graphics.
However, romantics insist on the opposite. Moreover, in support of their convictions they cite the fact of the spread of the black orchid in Europe by a certain George Cranlaite. A botanist allegedly while traveling along the shores of South America at the risk of his life got a rare plant and told about it to the whole world. But there is no documentary evidence of this.
Scientists explain the phenomenon of a flower with rich variations of maroon and dark blue shades. However, if you look closely, they can be found in any black color. So, it is possible that a black orchid lives in the wild, wet forests on the seashores somewhere on the globe, but the breeders have made their contribution, having pleased ardent flower growers with new hybrids. Californian botanists, who managed not only to bring out the black orchid varieties, but also to patent them, achieved particular success. Obviously, there is a miracle flower, and in order to acquire it, you do not need to wander into the dense American jungle, you just have to go to any flower shop.
Description of black orchid species
Black Orchid ... What is in it that could conquer the hearts of millions and distinguish among all the variety of orchids in the world? After all, each variety has something to surprise fans of floral beauty.
Mysterious flower attracts a delicate vanilla scent. Black flowers of an orchid, playing with different highlights, fascinate with refinement. In every class there is something unique.
Today scientists are proud of dozens of new titles. Consider the features of the most beautiful and sought after.
Did you know? Orchids populated the entire globe. They can be found not only in the hot tropics, but even outside the Arctic Circle. But all the same extravaganza variety of these colors is concentrated in the tropical zone. And they grow in forests, and in savannas, and in the mountains at the top of 4.5 thousand meters above sea level.
Maxillaria schunkeana
This rarest species exists in all its primeval nature in the wild. His specimens were found in Brazilian Espiritu Santo on the Atlantic coast of the rainforest at an altitude of 700 - 3500 m above sea level.
Characteristic signs are short stature, small flowers and the lack of smell. Stems and foliage grow to a maximum of 25 to 30 cm, and the flowers reach a diameter of about 1.5 to 2 cm. The color of a dark orchid in poor light does appear black, but if you look closely, you can see a dark purple tint. By the way, among all types of black orchids, this shade is the most saturated. It has four petals, revealing, they resemble the shape of a tulip. Inflorescences are located in the basal part. Since the peduncle is about 3–5 cm long, it seems that the maxillaries appear directly from the bulbs. 
In room conditions, the plant prefers warm, moderately humid air. Careful attitude requires a radical part, since any non-professional intervention threatens to damage the kidneys, their charms. Also, the flower will not forgive you swampy slurry in a pot. Planted similar uniques recommended in small bowls.
Fredclarkeara After Dark Black Pearl
The species is the result of a complex interspecific hybridization of catasetum, Mormodes, and clovesia. A mature orchid throws four peduncles on each, from 10 to 15 flowers each with a diameter of up to 5 cm. Black flowers with a sweet spicy aroma resemble the shape of tulips, and a brush is formed on the peduncle. The leaves are juicy, bright green, die off for the winter.
After hibernation, the roots together with the stem produce such a pseudobulb, which is a thickened sprout. It has concentrated stocks of nutrients. When the green biomass ends growth, inflorescences are formed. As a rule, this period falls on October - November. The juiciness of the petals lasts up to 8 weeks.A typical sign of the variety is the frequency in flowering. 
In the care prefers a moderately warm temperature and bright lighting. At home, cultivated without problems. It is important not to overdo it with watering and fertilizing during the period of dropping foliage. At this time, the plant is better not to disturb.
Important! Orchids need to be transplanted once every 3 to 4 years, in some cases it is enough to simply replace the top layer of the bark in the pot.
Paphiopedilum Pisgah Midnight
Of all the types of black orchids, these are distinguished by the darkest thick tones. Blooming inflorescences monophonic, often dark purple, on petals visible black veins are visible. When the sun glare on them there is a pleasant burgundy ebb. The shape of the flowers resemble a shoe, folded from three petals. Zev crimson with a smooth transition to the scarlet, the middle is yellow. In the care of the flower is no different from other papiopedilums. The plant needs a bark substrate and a transparent container, frequent air moistening, timely watering and top dressing. 
Paphiopedilum de Nachtwacht
Dark maroon orchid in the sun shimmers brown shimmer. On a long peduncle, no more than two large shoe-shaped flowers appear simultaneously. The leaves are small, elongated, bright, contrasted against the background of a dark peduncle. For the full development of the pot the room temperature should be within 18-22 degrees. Like all papiopedilums, this variety requires loose, well-drained soil. 
Phalaenopsis Black Butterfly
Black orchid of the genus phalaenopsis received the name of the variety due to dark petals resembling wings butterflies. Gorgeous blooming clusters have a rich tint of wine. Delicate white specks on the lip add a delicacy to the flower. Under favorable conditions, small specks appear on the edges of the petals. The leaves are oblong, juicy, dark green. Peduncle long. It is characteristic that all the lower flowers of dark condensed shades, and the higher they are located - the brighter their petals. 
Features of growing black orchids
Black orchid care does not differ from other species.
Like all orchids, the flower needs:
- bright place without drafts and direct ultraviolet rays;
- loose light substrate (it can be prepared from equal parts of vermiculite, pine bark and peat ground);
- plentiful watering in the summer and moderate in the winter (the plant does not like an overabundance of moisture);
- daily humidification with warm water;
- timely feeding with special complex fertilizers for orchids;
- absolute rest during hibernation and temperature regime not lower than 14 degrees.
Room flower orchid, regardless of the color scheme of the petals, requires love and care. And if he gets it, he will fully thank the flowering imagination.
