In honor of the mysterious flower named popular flavor and film directed by Brian de Palma.
This tropical mysterious flower with a delicate shade is one of the most expensive indoor plants.
So what is this - an exotic miracle or a common myth? Open all the secrets later in the article and show the black orchid on the photo.
What kind of flowers: definition
Despite its name, the orchid is not black. Usually it is just a dark color plants - purple, purple or burgundy.
Attention! Scientists say that black pigment in nature simply does not exist.
Black tropical flowers belong to the family of orchids, the order of asparasaceae, a class of monocots, a department of flowering plants.
Appearance Description
The mysterious flower is distinguished by its short stature. Up to 25-30 cm maximum grow foliage and stems of this tropical plant. And the diameter of the flowers is 1.5-2 cm. With different lighting, the flower really seems black. But in reality it has a rich dark color. When opening petals exotic plant resembles a tulip. The inflorescences are in the radical part.
Varieties of dark color and their photos
A black orchid is often confused with a Tacca flower or, in a different way, the “Devil Flower”. But despite the resemblance of this plant has nothing to do with the family of phalaenopsis.
Maxillaria schunkeana
Very rare flower of the phalaenopsis family with a rich dark tint.
Fredclarkeara After Dark Black Pearl
Its second name is the Black Prince.. It has a unique dark blue (almost black) shade. Anyone who has seen the Black Prince at least in the photo for a long time can not recover from its unusual beauty.
Paphiopedilum Pisgah Midnight
On the dark, evenly colored petals of this plant are visible black veins.
Phalaenopsis Black Butterfly "Orchids"
This unusual name of the plant was due to its shape, which resembles the wingspan of a butterflyand. The color of this orchid is very rich - dark maroon and purple tones. On the edges of the petals are white specks.
Dracula roezlii
Flower petals have almost black (wine) shade and covered with the smallest bright dots. It is impossible to look away from this black and white orchid.
Paphiopedilum de Nachtwacht
The petals of this tropical plant are burgundy in color with a black tint.
Breeding history
There is still no definitive answer to the question - does a black orchid exist?. It is believed that the mysterious flower stole from the tribe botanist George Crenleit. Others are convinced that this is a legend and the flower was bred by California scientists by selecting several phalaenopsis species. And the main difference of the hybrid orchid is vanilla flavor. Today, some growers paint the plant's inflorescences with the help of chemicals and thus even get a black and white orchid.
Step-by-step instruction
Care pot
To enjoy the fabulous view of a tropical plant, you must create a comfortable environment. Black Phalaenopsis - a capricious plant, a simple land for him will not work. Use loose soil. You can cook it yourself - add vermiculite, peat land and pine bark to the ground. 18-22 degrees - the optimum temperature for a tropical flower.
Important! Avoid drafts, dark places, sunlight.
In the summer - abundant watering, in the winter - moderate. It is advisable to constantly spray warm water, especially if the humidity is low. Be sure to defend the water for irrigation. If the leaves of the plant are wrinkled, then there is not enough moisture. If the leaves are yellowed - the flower suffers from excessive moisture..
On top dressing
Frequent feeding reduces the protective properties of the plant. This is dangerous the emergence of pests and various diseases. It is enough to use top dressing once in two-three weeks - during growth of a plant. The stores sell a special dressing for orchids.
By transplant
Every two years, be sure to replant the flower in another pot. It is better to replant the plant at the end of winter - during the period of flower growth.
Main breeding methods
Dividing bush.The rhizome is cut into pieces, in each of which 3-4 pseudobulbs. Then the plants are planted in pots.
- Reproduction by cuttings.
Escape cut in half and planted in a pot. This method is suitable for fast-growing flowers.
- Breeding kids.
In tropical plants, side shoots sometimes appear. If they are sprayed, the roots may appear. They then cut off, then transplanted into a pot.
- Seed propagation.
The method is popular among breeders. It takes a lot of time, effort, requires sterile conditions and special fertilizers.
Dividing bush.Pests and diseases
If the growing conditions are not observed, pests and even diseases can appear in the flower. Flaccidity of the leaves - the consequences of a root defect. Sunburns can cause growths and lumps, and large temperatures can cause leaf cracking.
Conclusion
Natural black is absent in nature. Unique plant was bred by Californian scientists.. Also, growers use chemicals to dye orchids. These are costly processes. That is why black orchid is one of the rarest and most desirable indoor plants.
