Vibrant Aliceara Hawaiian Glacier Orchid: A Striking Intergeneric Hybrid

Introducing the Striking Aliceara Hawaiian Glacier Orchid

With its vibrant colors and unique shape, the Aliceara Hawaiian Glacier orchid stands out as a real show-stopper. As an intergeneric hybrid that combines qualities from several different orchid genera, this rare orchid offers the best of multiple worlds for orchid enthusiasts and collectors.

The Vibrant Colors of Aliceara Hawaiian Glacier

One of the most striking features of Aliceara Hawaiian Glacier is its vibrant coloration. Its petals showcase a gradient of bright yellow to nearly fluorescent greenish-yellow, with some individuals exhibiting a blush of pink. These lively hues glow against the orchid’s shiny dark green foliage.

This dazzling color combination is the result of expert hybridization between two different orchid genera. The yellow and green tones are inherited from Oncidium, while the occasional pink blush comes from Brassia. The blending of these two genera is what gives this hybrid its vibrant uniqueness.

The Unique Shape of Its Flowers

In addition to its lively colors, Aliceara Hawaiian Glacier displays an intriguing shape thanks to its Oncidium parentage. Each stem produces abundant branching sprays with many flowers. The sepals and petals spread widely with lightly ruffled edges, creating a starburst effect.

The lip protrudes outward and curls dramatically downward in a cascade of frills. Flaring yellow side lobes frame the lip’s frilly midlobe to complete the flower's unique silhouette. This one-of-a-kind shape catches the eye of any orchid admirer.

Ideal Growing Conditions

While stunning in appearance, the Aliceara Hawaiian Glacier does require specialized care. This epiphytic orchid thrives in warm temperatures between 55-84°F and moderately high humidity. Excellent air flow is also essential.

These plants enjoy an open, free-draining orchid potting mix that retains some moisture while still permitting the roots to breathe. Bright indirect sunlight is ideal, with several hours of dappled sun per day. Careful attention to providing these conditions will keep your Aliceara thriving beautifully!

The Origins of This Unique Hybrid

The Aliceara Hawaiian Glacier traces its origins to the hybridizing work of renowned Hawaiian orchid grower James Fang. By crossing two unusual orchid species, he aimed to develop showy yet hardy hybrids adapted to Hawaii’s growing conditions.

Oncidium sarcoglottis: The Foundation Species

A key foundation species Fang utilized was Oncidium sarcoglottis, a Brazilian native popular in Hawaiian cultivation. This species passes along several desireable traits, like vivid color, prolific flowering, and a tolerance for heat.

However, Onc. sarcoglottis lacks hardiness and can be tricky to cultivate well. By hybridizing it with tougher genetic stock, Fang set out to create more vigorous plants with this species' best qualities.

Brassia arcuigera: Improving Vigor and Adaptability

The other vital contributor was Brassia arcuigera, chosen specifically for its resilience. Native to Costa Rica and Panama, Brassia arcuigera thrives across a wide humidity range and in varying temperatures.

This species also lends large, arching inflorescences and a subtle pink tone to its progeny. By hybridizing it with Oncidium sarcoglottis, Fang successfully bred for health, beauty, and flexibility.

Cultivating This Unique Intergeneric Hybrid

For orchid growers seeking a real conversation piece, the Aliceara Hawaiian Glacier makes an exciting addition to any collection. Let’s explore tips for successfully cultivating these stunning intergeneric hybrids at home.

Provide Plenty of Air Circulation

As an epiphyte adapted to grow on trees and cliffs in humid tropical forests, air flow is essential for the Aliceara Hawaiian Glacier orchid. Careful attention should be paid to air circulation to prevent fungal or bacterial infections.

Choose an open potting mix and space plants appropriately to allow air to circulate. Fans can also be used maintain gentle air movement around your orchids.

Offer Bright, Indirect Sunlight

When grown indoors, the Aliceara Hawaiian Glacier should be situated in a spot that receives plenty of bright but indirect sunlight. An east, west. or slightly shaded south window is often ideal. Too much direct sun can burn the foliage.

Outdoors, these orchids thrive on lanai and patios partially shaded by overhanging eaves or trees. Dappled sun encourages the most prolific flowering.

Maintain Warmth and High Humidity

Warm growing conditions between 60-80 ̊F are essential, along with 50-80% humidity. Greenhouse settings or humidified indoor grow spaces help satisfy these needs.

Where humidity is lower, placing the orchid pot atop a trellis or bed of wet pebbles inside a tray can boost moisture levels around the plant’s root zone and foliage.

FAQs

What colors does the Aliceara Hawaiian Glacier display?

This orchid shows a vibrant gradient of yellow to yellow-green in its flowers, sometimes with a blush of pink. These lively colors glow brightly against the plant's shiny dark green foliage.

What type of care does this orchid need?

The Aliceara Hawaiian Glacier needs bright indirect sunlight, high humidity of 50-80%, excellent air circulation, and warm temperatures between 60-80°F to thrive. An open orchid potting mix allows airflow to the roots.

What was this hybrid bred from originally?

Renowned Hawaiian orchid grower James Fang created Aliceara Hawaiian Glacier by hybridizing Oncidium sarcoglottis and Brassia arcuigera to combine beautiful flowers with vigor and adaptability.

Why choose this orchid?

With its uniquely vibrant colors, cascading frilly flowers, and Hawaiian origins, the Aliceara Hawaiian Glacier stands out as a conversation-starting addition to any orchid collection. Once its needs are met, it blooms readily and abundantly.