Rlc. Dick Smith 'Dark Beauty'
Best fragrant statement piece for intermediate indoor orchid enthusiasts.
Introducing the Rlc. Dick Smith 'Dark Beauty,' a captivating Cattleya hybrid orchid from Kalapana Orchid Farm in Hawaiʻi. This plant is renowned for its classic 'corsage orchid' look, boasting showy blooms that release a sultry, sweet fragrance. Supplied as a blooming-size plant in a 4" pot, it brings a touch of Aloha to your home. It thrives in bright, indirect light and warm temperatures, requiring the growing medium to dry out between waterings. This orchid is a beautiful and aromatic addition to any plant collection, blooming year-round.
$28.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
141
/ 9458
#141 in Potted Houseplants
Price vs Category Average
-46%
Below average
Type
Cattleya hybrid orchid
/ Cattleya hybrid orchid
Who it's for
- Interior designers seeking dramatic, high-contrast floral accents
- Homeowners wanting fragrant, mood-enhancing indoor botanical displays
- Serious orchid hobbyists building a prestigious, award-worthy collection
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious shoppers looking for affordable, common houseplant varieties
- Apartment dwellers lacking access to intense, direct sunlight
- Small-space gardeners with limited windowsill or shelf capacity
Performance breakdown
Fragrance potency
Sultry, sweet notes provide a sophisticated sensory experience for any room.
Visual impact
Classic corsage-style blooms deliver high-drama aesthetics for interior displays.
Bloom consistency
Reliable year-round flowering potential keeps your space looking vibrant.
Care accessibility
Intermediate requirements demand attention to humidity and specific watering cycles.
Growth maturity
Ships at blooming size, bypassing the long wait for initial flowers.
Environmental adaptability
Thrives best in controlled indoor climates with consistent bright, indirect light.
Key Specs
Type
Cattleya hybrid orchid
Size
Blooming Size
Pot Size
4" pots
Origin
Hawaiʻi
Scent Strength
Moderate
Flower Species
Orchid
Care Level
Intermediate
Watering Frequency
Moderate
Features
- Classic corsage orchid appearance
- Stunning, showy flowers
- Sultry sweet fragrance
- Blooming size plant
- Grown on Hawaiʻi’s Orchid Isle
- Year-round blooming potential
- Requires intermediate care level
- Prefers high humidity
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Rlc. Dick Smith 'Dark Beauty' for its exceptional quality and striking aesthetic design. Reviewers frequently mention the robust health and maturity of the plants upon arrival, noting strong root systems and careful packaging that ensures safe transit. The deep, rich color of the 'Dark Beauty' bloom reliably exceeds expectations. This combination of premium presentation and visual appeal confirms its high value for orchid collectors and enthusiasts.
Know before you buy
A blooming size plant is mature enough to flower under the right conditions. While this plant has the potential to bloom year-round, it will follow its own natural cycle based on light and temperature.
Check the growing medium before watering; it should be allowed to dry out significantly between waterings. Overwatering is the most common cause of root rot in Cattleya orchids, so ensure the pot has excellent drainage.
This orchid requires bright, indirect light to produce its signature showy blooms. A spot near a south or east-facing window with a sheer curtain is ideal, as direct midday sun can scorch the leaves.
You can increase humidity by placing the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water, or by grouping it with other houseplants. If your home is particularly dry, a small humidifier nearby will help the plant maintain its health and bloom quality.
This orchid is classified as an intermediate care level plant. It is a great choice if you are familiar with basic houseplant care, but it does require attention to specific light, humidity, and watering cycles to bloom consistently.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.