Black Orchid: Fdk After Dark Trade Project

[PhalPal]

Jay, Arleneg and I are starting a 'trade project' featuring a very unique orchid. It is from the Catasetinae alliance and 50% of the bulbs available today will be solid black, the other 50% dark spotted reds. There will not be a guaranteed black bloom for another 16-18 months and my suspicion is the price will go way up at that time. Here is the link to show you some possibilities of what our bulbs may produce:
Sunset Valley Orchids - Grower and hybridizer of quality orchids, Vista CA

We saw this orchid in bloom at the Santa Barbara Show; it was a stunning black color and smelled like eucalyptus. At $100 a bulb we didn't want to make any rash decisions, but none of us could stop thinking about it after we got home. ....and we were just ten feet from being out the door.....

Jay came up with the idea (or rather, it's his fault) that if three (or more) of us were to buy a bulb, the chances of at least one of us getting a solid black were very good. These plants grow pretty fast and best with two to three bulbs per plant. We are going to trade divisions with each other, eventually having one of each for a total of three.

I will be going to the San Diego show to pick up three bulbs for Jay, Arlene and myself. If you would like to LURK and just keep an eye on how our bulbs and trading progress, it should be interesting. If you wish to purchase a bulb and be part of the project, now is the time to jump in and I can provide you with details. Since there will be so few of us involved we will simply keep this one thread open, charting our progress and posting pictures. It will be a lot of fun to see what we end up with!!!

[Vivienne]

I so wish I could participate but that's just not in my budget. I will definitely be following this thread to see how things turn out.

Good luck to the 'Freddie Traders'

[janet_a]

ooh yes! would love to see pics. (a bit out of my price range too--i'll get one in 5 yrs or so when they come down. )

[jay]

I can't wait to get these!

And it's not all my fault, sure I came up with the trading idea, but you two were considering getting them before that.

This will be fun. I really like how many projects this group has going. A very united learning community stretched across the world.

I will be posting pics in about 12-14 day! The countdown begins.

[PhalPal]

'The Freddie Traders' I like that!

I can't wait either Jay! It's going to be torture waiting for that first flower to open!

[brookn]

I wish I could afford to do it, it looks beautiful. Good Luck. You could keep me in mind if you have a division someday.

[arleneg]

Phalpal -- Thanks for starting this project thread.

Jay -- If the bulbs are near mature size, it should flower this fall (assuming it's much like the Cycnoches). If not, then it'll be next fall (2009)

I can hardly wait to get a bulb!

Oh, I started saving my pennies since I got back from the SB show.

[patticake]

Good luck to all of you! I'll be watching this thread with much interest!

[palito]

good luck!

the black form is impressive but the spotted dark reds are amazing!

[Bird Song Farm]

Do so wish I could be in on this but afraid it is just out of my range at this time. I'll be following this thread with interest and wish you all success in the endeavor.
AL

[Jirel]

That black is UNBELIEVABLE! Wow!! I definitely want to watch you guys grow this baby. And congradulations!

[jay]

Arlene - I believe he said that all the bulbs were Near Blooming Size. Does this mean we could have our first flowers this fall.

After doing research it seems that this plant, and other Catesetum like it warm and bright, two conditions I can definitely offer. I am on the edge of my seat waiting for next week.

How terrible are we going to be once they are in our homes while we wait for them to spike?

[arleneg]

Jay,

Yes, we could have our first flowers this late summer/early fall.

Oh...checking every minute, every day.

[PhalPal]

My husband asked me why I don't drive down to San Diego on Saturday and avoid evening rush hour traffic on Friday night. I must have looked at him like he was a martian. It's like "Are you kidding me man"????? I'm gonna be there at 4pm when they crack open the doors!!!!!

Saturday????? Really.

[jay]

You are too funny. I can't wait to see pictures.

So what else are you going to bring home? Certainly you will have a look around.

[PhalPal]

Nope.
Nope.
Nope. Nope.
I am getting directions to the booth and walking straight to it. Right in, right out. Leaving the keys in the ignition.
That is, of course, unless I just happen to see a Phal Fantasy Musick or a cute little pink Dend like brookn has while on my way......

[sandra]

If I had an extra $100, I'd be putting in my order like, yesterday. It'll be intereting to watch all 3 of your progress.

[arleneg]

Connie,

Yesterday, I went down to San Jose for an orchid show and sale. My husband suggested I go Saturday instead of Friday. I told him "No way. I'm going Friday, so I can have a bigger lot to choose from." He said "Ok...but you'll be stuck in traffic on the way home." I didn't care. LOL

I came home with an Ionettia (Ionopsis x Comparettia). Cute little thing!

This trip was about 130 miles, roundtrip.

[jay]

3 days until pickup!!!

The countdown continues.

[River]

Can I help you out before you spend your money???
They're blacK!!! OK...I guess I'm not a true Orchid Geek
yet!

[PhalPal]

River I never in a million years thought I would spend $100 on one little orchid! I have spent a lot more than that on garden plants, so maybe I have been creeping up on this for a while.

They have a very different look and feel to them in person and a wonderful smell that catches you by surprise. If nothing else, they certainly are a conversation piece! To be honest, I will be disappointed if all of them are black; I think the dark red spotted are really pretty. Since all three of us will eventually end up with one of each others divisions I hope at least one is different.

I mean, just how many Cymbidiums, Phals and Catts can a person have?????? wait.....don't answer that.......

CHEERS! Jay and Arlene!!! Friday is almost here!!!

[River]

Ok! Just having fun with you...I'm a bit traditional/cottage-y in my taste...
so maybe not sophistocated enough for black...but I will have fun watching
you guys grow yours I hope...as you post pics.

[arleneg]

I'm counting down the days. I should have the spot for it ready this weekend.

[jay]

I already have a spot for it.

It is going to be potted in S/H in bright light with additional LED lights.

Connie and Arlene - what will your culture be?

[psyc1210]

wow, I really love that. Can't afford it right now, but maybe one day. Can't wait to see some more pictures

[berkeleysgr8]

This was being offered on eBay a couple months ago. I thought the seller was selling something slightly bigger for $100. I definitely remember looking at this one. I wish you guys the best of luck on this project! Another very exciting trade from PhalPal!

Have you considered asking whether you can get a "deal" if you're buying three bulbs? Maybe you could get them a little cheaper?

[arleneg]

jay,

I'll be potting mine in medium coconut husk chips. That's it. If there's new growth on it and its roots are about 2 inches long, it's time to water and fertilize often.

[PhalPal]

I haven't quite decided yet but probably some type arrangement of coir and dynarock. If there is enough light I want to keep it on my kitchen windowsill so I can stare at and see a problem early.
YES berkeleysgr8 I did ask if we could get a 'volume discount'! His answer: No, they are too rare right now. But the answer is no until you ask, right??

Berkeleysgr8 I had to laugh at your cottage-y description! If you saw my house you would never believe I would want a black orchid; I'm very country french comfy. I just ordered a new bay kitchen window and believe it or not, the style is called 'Cottage'!

[jay]

Two days left!

[Bird Song Farm]

Originally Posted by berkeleysgr8

This was being offered on eBay a couple months ago. I thought the seller was selling something slightly bigger for $100. I definitely remember looking at this one. I wish you guys the best of luck on this project! Another very exciting trade from PhalPal!

Have you considered asking whether you can get a "deal" if you're buying three bulbs? Maybe you could get them a little cheaper?

I was watching this item because it was the first ''black'' to be offered on ebay. The seller said the breeder and released only one for ebay sale. It sold for $158. +/- U.S. The description also said it was a 50/50 chance of being true ''black''.
Al

[jay]

One day!!!! I can hardly contain myself.

Bird Song Farm - We have been speaking with Fred Clark and he said that this current batch of breeding that we are buying from has been producing more than 50% all black. I suppose we could find out by the end of the summer.

Oh Connie, I hope you can get a chance to post a couple of pictures tomorrow to hold us over until we get ours from you.

[PhalPal]

Ya know, I think I have decided to go late on Sunday, and I'm gonna be really busy next week so I don't know when I can possibly find the time to pack and mail them.....is three weeks from next Thursday good for you????

[jay]

LOL.

I know that you are probably counting the hours until you leave to go get them.

Do you already have the mapquest maps printed? Have the cooler of drinks and snacks for the ride ready? Gas tank already filled? Clothes laid out for tomorrow?

[PhalPal]

No! I don't have MapQuest! but then again I grew up in San Diego But Wow Jay you were pretty spot on with the rest of it!! Oh my gosh.....all OrchidGeeks are alike!

[arleneg]

Connie -- You got me going there for a second! LOL

That's me, too! Everything will be ready by the time I wake up!

This weekend, let me know how much I owe you and your email address for Paypal so I can send the money to you.

Jay -- Have you gotten the worm tea, yet? I had a slight problem with the post office. They weren't going to ship it. I had to explain to them what worm tea is!

Anyway, I'm counting down the hours when Connie gets the Fdk. After Dark. Then, I'll reset when she ships it out to us.

[jay]

Arlene - yes I got the tea. Thank you so much. To allow the little microbes are to breath I took my dremmel and drilled a dozen small holes in the lid. I was out so this was much needed to give to my Fredclarkeara when it gets here.

[sandra]

In doing some searching on the Encyclia Green Hornet that I just bought, I came across this link Encyclia Green Hornet which references this plant as the black orchid....?

[kmarch]

Originally Posted by sandra

In doing some searching on the Encyclia Green Hornet that I just bought, I came across this link Encyclia Green Hornet which references this plant as the black orchid....?

I got a chuckle out of this. I've never heard Enc. cochleata called "The Black Orchid". And why would it be? There's a bit of maroon on it and that's about it. So let's see now....

The Black Orchid (aparently now) = Enc cochleata
The Black Orchid = Fredclarkara
The Black Orchid = Coelogyne pandurata

Anything else to add to the list? It might be a bit fo fun to see how many different orchids are called "
The Black Orchid."

Precisely why using common names of orchids is so confusing for people and ultimately useless.

Oh, and by the way, they got the name of the species wrong. It's Enc. cochleata, not cochleatum.

[articuno75]

I thought the Enc. cochleata was known as the "Comet orchid" or the "Octopus orchid"?

I think I'll stick to the scieintific naming than to the common name calling, then again "hick talk" is sooo much easier to pronounce

(We Hoosiers like our acorn trees and watchin stuff that done flowed by ya know )

[PhalPal]

And away I go!!! San Diego here I come!!!

[orchid_girl]

I soooo wish I could afford that....I'd love to see what each of you get though! Good Luck!!

[arleneg]

Connie,

Drive safely. We want them Fdk. babies all in one piece!

[jay]

The anticipation is almost too much.

I think I will be checking back quite a bit tonight.

[arleneg]

Same here, Jay.

She should be there by now and making the selection/purchase. Aaahhh...wish I was there, too! LOL

[articuno75]

Did Connie make it back yet? I wanna see the bulbs!!!

[jay]

Jenny - you and me both. I keep checking every 15 minutes since about 3:00, even though that drive would only be possible if she was driving the Delorean from Back to the Future.

[brookn]

I've checked a few times to see myself. The forum has been very quiet tonight. Do we need to post an APB yet?

[evagentry]

Keeping an eye on this thread is like living this through your collective excitement! I will definitely be lurking aroung this thread.

[articuno75]

Brook~I think we might have to Shouldn't she be back by now?

Eva~ You're about as bad as the rest of us. We're all dying to see these

[arleneg]

Connie...where are you?!

[brookn]

I honestly don't know. Jay? How long a drive was it? Also got to account for orchid perusing, buying, time spent stuffing impulse purchases in the car, food, etc....
First I want to know she is okay, then I WANT PICS .

[arleneg]

Brook,

It takes about 2 hours, maybe a little less. She probably stopped by somewhere to have dinner before going home.

Oh wait...forgot about the traffic. It could be rather bad on a Friday evening.

Or....she's having fun making us suffer! LOL

[jay]

The traffic could be terrible on a Friday evening. If I remember her husband had suggested going Saturday morning to avoid the Friday night traffic, but she wouldn't have that. lol

[articuno75]

I don't blame her one bit. That's an absolute must have now situation.

[LouisW]

I certainly will do so.

[LouisW]

Sorry about that last comment. A technicality.

This is the most intense thread I have ever read!
I'm gonna join in on this one and get some second hand "new plant" thrill.

[PhalPal]

Oh My Gosh you guys are too funny!!! Thanks for all your concern. (for the bulbs at least!) The show didn't open until 4 pm and I got there about 4:20 and immediately went to pick up our bulbs. They were already selected by Fred because I pre-paid for them so there was no selecting. I think they look GREAT!! I was so excited and felt you both there in spirit. I found LOTS of other cool stuff and bought a few species that are new to me, will talk about them tomorrow. I got home a little after 10 and knew all of you would want pics NOW! I know, stop talking and post the pictures already!

HERE THEY ARE - TA DA!!!!!!

[brookn]

Ahhhhhh. Those are so cool. I am excited, and glad to see you arrived home safely. I see some phals, a kingianum, an Onc., and is that a Laelia sp? of some kind? I knew you wouldn't be able to not shop hee hee. Whoo hoo they are here. I can take my sick butt to bed, Connie is safe and sound, bulbs safe and sound, and a car load of orchids. Sweet dreams in my future of dark flowers that smell like eucalyptus.

[jay]

Glad you had a good trip. Can't wait to hear about your finds too.

They look incredible. I can't wait.

Thanks for posting the pictures.

[articuno75]

So glad you're safe. And I see that you seat belted the orchids for their safety too. LoL.... Too funny !!! Those are freaky neat looking! Can't wait to hear about the others as well. MMmm....Dreams of darkness. Sounds wickedly cool.

[arleneg]

Glad you and the babies are back safe and sound! The Fdk looks great. I can't believe you actually seat belted them! LOL

You definitely have some other good finds there. I recognize a Den. aggregatum and a kingianum.

Looking forward to hear about your driving trip and the show!

Sleep well.

[jay]

I was just taking a closer look at your group photo and noticed that it looks like you got a second Paph!!!! I can't wait to hear about all of those beautiful finds.

[Bird Song Farm]

Hi, not involved here except as a lurker but those look like really, really, healthy bulbs! Darn, I wish I could have been in on this! Will be watching with anticipation. Good luck all.
Al

[LouisW]

WOW. Those are some healthy plump bulbs. By the look of it they seem to be only the second or third bulb on the plant unless it was divided. Will the plant have substantially larger bulbs than that? A similar growth pattern to cyms maybe?

[evagentry]

Glad you made it safe and sound Connie, looking forward to your post on your adventure!

[PhalPal]

I will post individual mug shots of each bulb tomorrow; it has been a busy weekend and I really haven't had a chance. Some other orchids in San Diego found me and followed me home. I'm like a magnet.
I am meeting Jay halfway between here and Palm Springs tomorrow to give him his bulb. Then I will come home and research the HYBRID choices; yes I broke down big time. I just can't stand looking at all the beautiful choices in the 'Hybrid Arrival' thread; it's just killing me!
When will it end!!

[articuno75]

Originally Posted by PhalPal

I will post individual mug shots of each bulb tomorrow; it has been a busy weekend and I really haven't had a chance. Some other orchids in San Diego found me and followed me home. I'm like a magnet.
I am meeting Jay halfway between here and Palm Springs tomorrow to give him his bulb. Then I will come home and research the HYBRID choices; yes I broke down big time. I just can't stand looking at all the beautiful choices in the 'Hybrid Arrival' thread; it's just killing me!
When will it end!!

I knew the shove, I mean nudge, would help. You'll love it! You gotta get a Tolumnia too!

[PhalPal]

Here are some better pictures of the bulbs without being packed into the basket. They are virtually identical. They are a tiny bit smaller or bigger, but the smallest one has the largest growth. I assigned numbers to each plant and then put our names in a hat and choose who would get what using this method. I couldn't choose between them anyway.

Arlene yours will be in the mail tomorrow morning. Jay I'll see you later!

[jay]

I'm getting ready to leave any minute. I have to stop and get gas and I am on my way.

Hydroton is soaked and ready to go!

[sandra]

Are there 12 bulbs total in those 4 pics or the same bulbs pictured in 4 photos?

[jay]

Connie - Thank you again so much for picking these up and meeting me today. I was really worried since we have been in the mid to upper 80's during the day. Thanks to you and Arlene for joining me on this crazy adventure. This is going to be fun!

Sandra - there are only 3 bulbs, those are just several pictures at different angles.

And without any further delay. . . Here is my Fredclarkeara After Dark!

Picture 1 - Shows the size of the bulb and new growth for comparison.

Picture 2 - After taken out of the pot. I hate sphagnum moss.

Picture 3 - Sphagnum removed.

Picture 4 - In its new home.

For cultural notes: In an East facing window that registers 3000+ fc at 9am, constant fan breeze, humidity tray, S/H, MSU type fertilizer (N @ 125ppm), additional LED panel for supplemental light.

[arleneg]

Connie -- Thanks for posting the pics of the bulbs. They look healthy. I can hardly wait to get mine. Do you have my address? If not, PM me.

Jay -- You did a great job in removing the sphag moss. I hope I can do it as well as you did.

Since all 3 bulbs have new growth and seem to have a good length of roots, water copiously and fertilize at half to full strength as often as you can. Give it lots of light. That thing will mature by August and be ready to spike!

[articuno75]

Nice I sooo need to sit on a corner with a can for orchid funds

Jay~It looks great! Can't wait to see the end results on all of these

[jay]

Arlene - In the very center there actually some bark. It took me about 30 minutes to get all the sphagnum out.

I watered it with worm tea with a single drop of superthrive for today to reduce stress and stimulate new roots for the S/H. In the next watering, probably Tuesday, I will begin with the MSU 3 times a week.

[sandra]

Jay, you did a really great job of clearing out all the sphag and styrofoam.

Originally Posted by arleneg

That thing will mature by August and be ready to spike!

This is exciting. I thought up to 18 months but I see now that's for dividing. I am really looking forward to seeing this.