Fredclarkeara After Dark 'Sunset Valley Orchids Black Pearl'
 

Thought I'd share photos of my blooming Fdk. After Dark. It is a plant that I received in a 2-inch pot from the late Richard Takafuji of Orchid Center 4-5 years ago. The plant is now in a 4-inch plastic pot with New Zealand Sphagnum Moss as the media. I had a difficult time blooming this plant so following the advice of another grower, I withheld watering for 3-4 weeks. In doing so, the nice lush green leaves on the front bulb turned brown and fell off. Two flower spikes then appeared and this is the result. The spike on the left has 20 flowers and the one on the right has 18 flowers.

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Fredclarkeara After Dark 'Sunset Valley Orchids Black Pearl' by hawaiiansunshine, on Flickr

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Fredclarkeara After Dark 'Sunset Valley Orchids Black Pearl' by hawaiiansunshine, on Flickr

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Fredclarkeara After Dark 'Sunset Valley Orchids Black Pearl' by hawaiiansunshine, on Flickr

Great photos! How do you make the background so white?

Thanks Bud. I used a white background material that I purchased online from a photo supplier. I believe it is a special fabric for photographers. It works well with my flash setup. I'm pretty happy with the results here. A black background which I normally use for photographing my orchids would definitely not have worked.

Well grown plant and great pics Mel!

Awesome. Well done.

Kim

Beautiful! I have never seen one of these.

I want to replace my Monn. Millenium Magic with this one. I like the flower shape on this one much better. looks kind of like cascading cymbidium, yet much smaller plant size.

Does it have fragrance?

I guess it takes the typical catasetum care?
Can you share personal secrets regarding the culture?

Mainly, I would like to know how much light you give your plant during the growth phase, the care in the fall right before the bloom emerge, and during the rest period.

Thanks in advance!

Even though I am not (at least at this time ) a fan of this orchid, your pictures and those dark blooms are very nice.

Gorgeous!
NYCorchidman, someone brought in a clone of yours and it was loaded with cascades of flowers. Don't give up, yet!

Mine just finished flowers this week, but I don't like the flower shape, especially how the lip curls backward and all.

I like to have this one, black pearl, or Wine Delight!!!