Fdk After Dark ‘SVO’ FCC/AOS
Fredclareara After Dark ‘SVO’ FCC/AOS
(Mo. Painted Desert ‘SVO’ HCC x Ctsm. Donna Wise ‘Kathleen’ AM/AOS)
This is my most dramatic orchid. I bought it from Peach State Orchids in Milton, GA in 2021. It had mature bulbs when I bought it and grew well right away. In 2023 it grew four healthy spikes with nearly 60 flowers and won a blue ribbon at the Atlanta Orchid Society. Because these grow so robustly, I’ve been able to divide them when they grow more than five pseudobulbs, so I am now fortunate to have several. I do occasionally sell off divisions. You can also find them on the web. They are expensive but very satisfying to grow; within a few years you should be able to divide yours, too! This orchid and its sister are currently growing multiple spikes each and I expect them to bloom in the next week or two, just in time to fill the sunroom with their gingerbread fragrance.
History and Features
The Fredclarkeara After Dark 'SVO' is an easy-to-grow hybrid orchid producing multiple deep mahogany-burgundy flowers per spike, with each bloom featuring an intricate pattern and glossy texture that gives them an almost black appearance. These product cascading displays of long-lasting flowers, which can number up to fifteen on a single spike. They release a delightful gingerbread fragrance that adds to their appeal, making this easy grower a prized addition to any orchid collection. Fred Clarke of sunsetvalleyorchids.com, who developed this hybrid, is always developing new and interesting hybrids of various species. He sells the young ones for very reasonable prices, although for some reason I don’t do well with the little ones and have killed several.
Culture
Catasetenae require different care than many other orchids. In the fall or winter they will drop their leaves, often before they bloom. I advise watching numerous video tutorials so you can decide the best protocol for your environment. Here’s a good one to get you started.
Water and Fertilizer
Active Growth (Spring-Fall)
In summer they like a lot of water but don’t let them sit in water
During the growth season, from around June to September they grow like weeds and need lots of fertilizer, 1 tsp per gallon once per week, or weaker if you water more often.
After repotting you can sprinkle slow-release fertilizer. MSU or oscmocote will work. Then fertilize during growth as usual.
Winter Dormancy
Drastically reduce or stop watering
Around December 1st stop watering completely
Resume when new growth starts
Fred Clarke advises not watering until roots are at least 6-8 inches long.
Potting and Media
Catasetum orchids are fairly forgiving and will grow in a variety of media
Medium bark (1/2 inch) with perlite, pure sphagnum moss or other well-draining media
Plastic or clay pots both work. The PET method has become very popular, although I have not tried it. Check out this tutorial on YouTube.
Additional Notes
Deciduous - loses leaves in winter
Heavy feeder during growing season
Stop fertilizing when growth slows, around October
Watch for spider mites at all times!
Flowers last 4-6 weeks
This hybrid does not have black flowers
