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× Fredclarkeara After Dark gx 'Anja'

A medium-sized, epiphytic orchid, up to 45cm tall, with elongated, cylindrical, fleshy pseudobulbs. Each stem (pseudobulb) is covered with alternate, thin sheaths, bearing deciduous leaves. The leaves are thin, strap-shaped, up to 25cm long and 4cm wide. Pendulous flowering stems emerge from the lower nodes near base of the new, mature growth at the end of dormancy. Up to three flowering stems carry simultaneously 12-18 waxy, long-lasting, fragrant flowers. This is a very dark, almost black form with a dark red centre, each flower measuring 3-4cm across.

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Ultimate height

0.1–0.5 metres

Time to ultimate height

5–10 years

Ultimate spread

0.1–0.5 metres

Moisture

Well–drained, Moist but well–drained

pH

Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Full sun
Partial shade

Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure

Exposed

Hardiness
Hardiness ratings
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)

H1A

Botanical details

Family: Orchidaceae
Native to the UK: No
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: Clump forming, Columnar upright
Genus: A genus of orchid which is a cross between Catasetum, Clowesia and Mormodes with thick, ridged stems, strap-like green foliage and flowers which are mainly dark purple to black
Name status: Unresolved

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in an open orchid mix of medium-grade bark and sphagnum moss with addition of perlite or horticultural charcoal. Provide bright, full-sun conditions which are essential for development of flowering stems. Long daylight are also essential, with minimum of 10 hours throughout the year. In the UK, supplemential grow lights might be required to support strong growth development and flowering. Night temperatures shouldn't drop below 15°C, but the plant will tolerate daytime temperatures up to 30-35°C during summer. Water and feed plants often during the growing season. Ensure that all water drains away, preventing the plant sitting in water. Reduce watering to minimum in winter months while dormant and keep in a bright, sunny position. As with many orchids, they grow best when well-established and slightly pot-bound. Re-potting should be only done if the plant overgrows its container or before the potting mix starts to deteriorate - approximately once in 2-3 years. The plant should only be re-potted when the new growth appears in spring. See also indoor orchid cultivation

Propagation

Mature plants may be divided when the plant overgrows its container. Each division should have at least 3 older growths with a sufficient amount of stored energy and water, to support new growth and reduce stress after repotting.

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Houseplants
Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required. Remove the flowering stem once finished flowering.

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, mealybugs, aphids and scale insects.

Diseases

Generally disease-free.

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