After Dark ‘Black Pearl’

Botanical name: Fredclarkeara After Dark ‘Black Pearl’ (Catasetinae hybrid)
Also called: “Black Orchid”
Look: Waxy, star-shaped flowers so deep burgundy they read as black; creamy column and bold contrast. Highly architectural spikes on a compact plant.

Why you’ll love it

• Iconic near-black blooms that look couture on any shelf.

• Compact & vigorous—great for windowsills, balconies with filtered light, or grow racks.

• Beginner-friendly routine: water well in growth, keep dry at rest.

• Show display quality—glossy petals and outstanding form.

Care & Placement (Simple Guide)

• Light: Bright, indirect/filtered light. Provide shade from harsh midday sun.

• Watering (seasonal):

  • Active growth (leaves present): Water thoroughly and regularly; let the top layer just start to dry between waterings.

  • Dry rest (after leaves yellow and fall): Stop watering. Keep the medium dry. Resume only when new growth produces roots ~5–7 cm long.

• Feeding: Heavy feeder in growth—balanced orchid fertilizer at 1/2 strength every 7–10 days; flush with plain water monthly. No feed during rest.

• Potting & Medium: Small pot with fast-draining mix (coarse bark + perlite/charcoal; a light sphagnum topper is optional). Repot at the start of new growth when fresh roots just appear. Semi-hydro (LECA) also works with careful rest.

• Humidity & Airflow: Moderate–high humidity with gentle air movement keeps leaves and roots healthy.

• Water quality: Rain/RO preferred; if using hard water, flush regularly.

What you’ll receive

• One healthy Fredclarkeara After Dark ‘Black Pearl’ plant in a nursery pot (non-flowering unless listed as spiking/flowering at dispatch). Natural variation in pseudobulb size and leaf count is normal for Catasetinae.

Grower’s Tips

• Water early in the day; avoid water standing in leaf axils.

• Stake spikes early for a clean, gallery-style display.

• Expect leaves to drop seasonally—this is normal. The dry rest is the key to long-term success.