One of the blackest orchids available today! This stunning plant thrives with plenty of heat, water, and fertilizer during the active growing season in spring and summer. After or even during flowering, it is common for the leaves to drop. Once flowering finishes, reduce watering and fertilizer until new growth appears—then resume normal care.

Awarded an FCC/AOS (First Class Certificate) by the American Orchid Society on October 12, 2013, this plant was recognized for its superb jet-black flowers and prolific blooming habit. The awarded specimen displayed two spikes carrying a total of 42 flowers—a true benchmark for black orchids. This is widely regarded as the finest black orchid in cultivation today.

A note on culture: Catasetinae are susceptible to spider mites. Alongside commercial miticides, we recommend some hobbyist-friendly methods:

*Wipe foliage with neem oil (“neem wipes”) every two weeks—or weekly if mites are present—preferably in the evening out of direct light.

*Apply a mild soap and vegetable oil spray (1 tsp of each per quart of water) periodically.

*Outdoors, micronized sulfur can be sprayed up to once per week (caution for those with sulfur sensitivities).

Current plants are blooming size, established in 4" pots with sphagnum moss. See the last photo for size reference. We expect flower spikes to emerge in fall 2025.