This is the first man-made, nearly pure-black orchid! It is famous for its incredibly dark flower displays that emit a spicy-sweet fragrance. The flowers emerge during or after the foliage sheds in the fall to winter season. These orchids flower best when grown in bright light. This batch of plants are mericlones from the original 'SVO Black Pearl' FCC/AOS parent.

During the summer growing season and fall blooming period, water frequently and fertilize often. When the flowers begin to drop and the pseudobulbs are bare, the plant is beginning to enter dormancy. At this point, water sparsely and do not apply fertilizer until a new growth emerges and reaches about 5 inches in height the following spring. Overall, we consider this famous orchid easy to grow and flower!

It is worth mentioning that Catasetinae easily contract spider mites. Besides commercial grade insecticide, we have some tips for hobbyists. Using 'neem wipes', you can wipe the foliage twice a month (or every week if you have mites) in the evenings when there is no direct light. You can also use a soap/vegetable oil homemade spray (1 tsp each per quart spray bottle) and spray periodically. Lastly, you can use micronized sulfur as a spray on the foliage up to once per week (although some people are allergic to micronized sulfur).