Cross: (Mtssa Olmec x Onc Mantinii)
Intro:
Alicera Hilo Ablaze is an intergeneric cross between Miltassia olmec and Oncidium Mantinii. There is Oncidium Miltonia and Brassia in the background genetics allowing for a very easy to grow and flower plant that is tolerant of a wide range in temoperatures. The flowers are very large being 6 to 7 inches in size. The color is a beautiful orange apricot with chocolate brown barring. The lip develops an intense red-orange flush over a yellow background. This is a superb clone that flowers more than once per year.
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Light:
Low to Medium light with 1500 to 3500 footcandles being ideal. In a house an East, South or West window will work well. In a South window light shading will be needed from late August through mid October and from February through early May. This plant will do well under artificial light culture as well.
P.L. Lights systems are a great way to provide artificial light to your orchids. See our P.L. Lights page for more information on this great product we offer.
Temperature:
Intermediate to warm with winter night temps being 55 to 63 degrees Fahrenheit and Day temps being 70 or above. Summer temps can be several degrees warmer. This plant will also tolerate cooler temps but may not grow as well.
Humidity:
40 to 50 percent or higher is ideal.
The use of humidity trays or room humidifiers is beneficial.
We offer two products that can help increase humidity levels. The humidity tray offered in black or white, and the Mist Maker.
Water:
Water as the potting mix approaches dryness but do not allow the mix to become bone dry. The pseudobulbs can be a good guide to your watering routine. If the bulbs become shriveled it is a sign that the mix is getting a bit too dry between watering. The newest bulbs should be the plumpest although some shriveling on the older bulbs is acceptable. In winter when the plant is not in spike or flower the mix can become a bit drier between watering.
Overwatering can cause several problems such as root rot and infectious bacteria/fungus in the potting medium. One product we offer that can help these problems if caught at an early stage is Phyton 27 bactericide and fungicide.
Fertilizer:
Use Green Jungle Orchid Food, especially formulated to work with rain, distilled, reverse osmosis water or water low in alkalinity. Fertilize with Green Jungle every time you water. Or use
GrowMore 20-10-20 Ureafree for municipal or well water. Use at the rate of ½ teaspoon per gallon. If using GrowMore with rain, distilled, or reverse osmosis water, add back in 5 - 10% municipal or well water to supply the necessary calcium and magnesium. Fertilize every other watering in the summer and every third watering in the winter.
Another fertilizer offered is: GrowMore 6-30-30 (Cymbidium and bloom boosting formula).
Flowering:
The flowers are very large being 6 to 7 inches in size. The color is a beautiful orange apricot with chocolate brown barring. The lip develops an intense red-orange flush over a yellow background. This is a superb clone that flowers more than once per year. Each flower spike can produce from 3-7 flowers that are long (2-3 months) lasting. In cooler night temps and brighter light the flowers will develop a more intense red-orange to the lip.
Repotting:
It is best to repot after the plant has flowered. Repot in the spring or fall months for best results. Avoid the Hot part of summer and the very cold low light level period of winter. Use a medium grade Douglas fir bark mix.
We offer several different types of potting medium. Here are direct links to what we believe to be some of the best potting mediums available for orchids: Orchids Limited bark mix, New Zealand sphagnum moss, coco husk, coco peat, sponge rock,charcoal, tree fern fiber, and cork slabs for epiphytic plants.
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