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Go Back   Orchid Board - Most Complete Orchid Forum on the web ! > Orchid Board > blogs > jeanniebelle's blog
In Search of the Black Orchid
By jeanniebelle at 2008-01-23 04:03

I've a downloaded photo of the most intriguing orchid I've ever seen, if I ever meet her, I'll invite her home to live with me. I love stories with a happy ending ~

jeanniebelle's blog | 32 comments | printer friendly version

by Bird Song Farm on Wed, 2008-01-23 11:58
Hi jeanniebelle
Recently a 'black orchid' was sold on e-bay, Did you see it? I believe it was named "Frankclarkara". Truly beautiful.
I might be able to locate it if you can't find it with a search of 'sold' items.
Al

by Dorothy on Wed, 2008-01-23 14:41
WELCOME JEANNIE
Glad you can join us at the OB
We have recently have had a few threads on the black orchid (with pictures) - .. I am sure you'll find them most informative and intriguing -
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ck-orchid.html
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ck-orchid.html
I thought I would just throw in this nearly black orchid I found while surfing through Miranda Orchids - Maxillaria schunkeana
Orchids of Brazil. Price List

by minicatt on Fri, 2008-01-25 16:06
That would be Fredclarkeara After Dark. There have been over 5 FCC/AOS's awards to the cross! These have truly been some of the blackest flowers i have ever seen (in person too!). Unbloomed seedlings were at the WOC and were being sold at Krull Smith's booth.

by Bird Song Farm on Fri, 2008-01-25 18:10
Quote:
Originally Posted by minicatt View Post
That would be Fredclarkeara After Dark. There have been over 5 FCC/AOS's awards to the cross! These have truly been some of the blackest flowers i have ever seen (in person too!). Unbloomed seedlings were at the WOC and were being sold at Krull Smith's booth.
Yes, that's the one, the one on e-bay stated there was a 50/50 chance of the plant being the 'pure' black one. It was released to the seller from Krull Smith.
AL

by Ross on Fri, 2008-01-25 18:49
Maybe it's just me but why would ANYONE want a black orchid? Black, is technically, absence of all color. I thought growing orchids was all about color? I just don't "get it"

by littlefrog on Fri, 2008-01-25 19:12
They are pretty eye-catching in person. Hard to photograph though. Fred is proud of that cross, and he should be. I should be getting a couple flasks of the remake from Fred in a few months.

by Bird Song Farm on Fri, 2008-01-25 19:14
Perhaps it's the uniquiness of it Ross. People have been searching for a true black orchid since they (orchids) became all the rage over 150 years ago.
Orchid growing (collecting) was a rich man's hobby then and still is to some point. When you have everything available you want what isn't available, just human nature I guess.
JMHO

Al

by Ross on Fri, 2008-01-25 19:34
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bird Song Farm View Post
Perhaps it's the uniquiness of it Ross. People have been searching for a true black orchid since they (orchids) became all the rage over 150 years ago.
Orchid growing (collecting) was a rich man's hobby then and still is to some point. When you have everything available you want what isn't available, just human nature I guess.
JMHO

Al

I think I understand! Just don't get it.

by flhiker on Sat, 2008-01-26 05:04
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bird Song Farm View Post
Perhaps it's the uniquiness of it Ross. People have been searching for a true black orchid since they (orchids) became all the rage over 150 years ago.
Orchid growing (collecting) was a rich man's hobby then and still is to some point. When you have everything available you want what isn't available, just human nature I guess.
JMHO

Al
Same holds true for Rose's, they have been trying to breed a black rose forever. I imagine people that breeds flowers would love to say they were the first to grow a true black orchid,rose or whatever. $$$$ OH yea! I saw someone selling small seedling of what they called a black phal for $100.00 at the WOC

by lovemyorchids35 on Tue, 2008-02-05 07:56
A relative of mine tells me she has bought the After Dark Black Pearl orchid which she believes is the truest black orchid. I have seen this a pic of this orchid and it is very black. I love it. I have a picture if you would like it and details where to get it. I am told they have a number of true back orchids. Might just have to get one myself.

by Dorothy on Tue, 2008-02-05 12:25
Oh do show and tell

by Bird Song Farm on Tue, 2008-02-05 13:06
Please do post and tell.....I find the idea fascinating
Al

by lovemyorchids35 on Tue, 2008-02-05 14:09
Sunset Valley Orchids in California. Postage costs were a bit of a shock to Aust. But worth it. Maybe my birthday or Chrissy.

by Dorothy on Tue, 2008-02-05 14:23
WOW!
What a beauty!

by lovemyorchids35 on Tue, 2008-02-05 14:23
And this one. I love this. I think its the Zygopetalum Black Opal Orchid, but not sure. I want one!!!

by lovemyorchids35 on Tue, 2008-02-05 14:35
Sorry Dorothy, my mistake. Wrong pic. That is the close up of the Black Pearl. This is the Black Diamond. Stunning.

by lovemyorchids35 on Tue, 2008-02-05 14:39
Are these Cymbidiums??

by Bird Song Farm on Tue, 2008-02-05 16:09
Both are stunning! Thanks for the post.
Al

by kavanaru on Tue, 2008-02-05 18:32
Quote:
Originally Posted by lovemyorchids35 View Post
Are these Cymbidiums??
They are Catasetinae. I think the genus (multi hybrid) is Fredclarkeara or something like that... They are the closest to black orchids I know ( only in pictures so far!) and the most amazing Catasetinae at all (after Catasetum pileatum, which is and saty my NUMBER ONE )

by Dorothy on Tue, 2008-02-05 21:14
Stunning, indeed

by lovemyorchids35 on Tue, 2008-02-05 23:34
Thanks. I am on a mission to find one. My knowledge past a cymbidium is nil and even that knowledge is limited. Have not flowered my own orchid yet, but I am expecting this year and as I have only been growing for about 12 months so my mother says "I'll be lucky" -(not much confidence) I would love Catasetums in my s/h. I found a pic of your Catasetum pileatum and its is very beautiful. I see why its your No.1

by minicatt on Wed, 2008-02-06 03:33
Yes, these are pics of Fredclarkeara After Dark. It is a cross of Mormodia Painted Desert x Catasetum Donna Wise. I have seen many of the clones in person and they are truly black! But there also several that were brown with many spots, and this weekend i saw a GREEN one!
There were unbloomed seedlings at the WOC for $100.00.
Peter.

by Dorothy on Wed, 2008-02-06 14:57
$100 for a seedling!
Guess I'll just admire the photos

by minicatt on Wed, 2008-02-06 15:03
Well they were NBS seedlings! I think $100 is not too bad to own a black orchid!
Peter.

by Bird Song Farm on Wed, 2008-02-06 16:54
One sold on e-Bay for $157.00 a couple of weeks ago. Listing stated there was a 50/50 chance of it being "black".
AL

by silkus on Thu, 2008-02-07 04:44
To me it's something different and unique. I like things that are out of the ordinary. I can't wait until I can get my hands on a plant of Fredclarkeara 'After Dark'. Wish I had the wherewithall to do one of Fred Clark's flasks that he was offering for sale. Oh well happy growing to all....

by jhill on Tue, 2008-04-08 19:57
I am with Ross on that 1 I just don't think I would like a black Orchid but its what ever floats your boat.[

by Paul on Tue, 2008-04-08 21:37
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ross View Post
Maybe it's just me but why would ANYONE want a black orchid? Black, is technically, absence of all color. I thought growing orchids was all about color? I just don't "get it"
It's just like anything else ... a matter of taste. Look at the folks who go "ga-ga" over green flowers or the Ang fanatics who go nuts over all those white flowers (oh right, some also are greenish....)

I find it kinda boring to have a collection so focused but again my tastes are different.

by Lilandra on Tue, 2008-05-06 07:19
ooo i want one too

brenda star!

*dies*

:-)

by Stasisgate on Tue, 2008-05-06 19:52
Fdk. After Dark 'SVO Black Diamond' FCC/AOS

This is so amazingly amazing!!!!!

by Ross on Tue, 2008-05-06 20:04
Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul View Post
It's just like anything else ... a matter of taste. Look at the folks who go "ga-ga" over green flowers or the Ang fanatics who go nuts over all those white flowers (oh right, some also are greenish....)

I find it kinda boring to have a collection so focused but again my tastes are different.
Well... I didn't see this post before, but I personally like Angraecoids. Yes they tend to mostly be white, but they also tend to be showy, smell nice (well some do) and most are easy to bloom in a Wardian Case. You're right - to each his own. My tastes aren't to black, though. Have enough dismal things in my life without black orchids. Just my

by Dorothy on Tue, 2008-05-06 22:05
Although, I may never own one or care to .. it still find them fascinating

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