All orchids require similar growing environments: a supportive foundation like peat moss that allows air circulation, at least 12 hours of indirect sunlight or UV lighting every day, restricted watering and temperatures of 60 to 80 degrees.
One of the orchid's most obvious structural characteristics is its long, thin shoot. These are usually supported by stakes.
At the base of the orchid shoots grow orchid leaves, which are wide spears of firm, bright green foliage.
Orchid flowers are made up of five almost circular petals spread wide and flat, with the orchid's stigma and stamen contained in the central "bearded" appendage of the flowers. Orchid flowers come in many colors. Deep purple or wine-colored orchids are sometimes interpreted as "black" orchids, though no truly black flower has been found.
Orchids became popular in Europe in the 19th century, when people began searching for a black orchid. The name "black orchid" has been used for comic book, action and fictional characters because of the flower's mythological popularity.