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Aliceara (Degarmoara) Winter Wonderland 'White Fairy"

I heard about this orchid "it grows like a weed but blooms more beautiful than anything I have ever seen", and I must agree with this term as this Aliceara belongs to the three most beloved by myself orchids.
Someone can say it's white and plain, but it's not purely white or plain or definitely not boring.



Aliceara (Degarmoara) Winter Wonderland 'White Fairy" has it's parenthood in a cross between Bratonia Cartagena x Oncidium. Gledhow .It was registered by Bee Lian Nursery in Thailand, on the 1st of January 1989.

So from the start, this is a epiphytic growing, intergenetic orchid hybrid, taking many traits from it's both parents. Saying this it will require quite similar care and watering routine.



The flowers seem to be white but they sometimes show a painted green shadow that beautifully marks the centre of the petal maroon spots in random order. In this setting it resembles the features of a white lilly. The flowers have a faint, typical for this type of orchid, spicy-peppery fragrance.
As a very vigorous grower the plant can grow a vast amount of tall flower spikes creating beautiful displays of snow white flowers.



The "White Fairy" doesn't require a lot of light, on the contrary it's best to give it either morning or evening light to avoid burning the leaves and causing problems with the plants growth.
Especially important is to water well as all Oncidium alliance orchids need a constant supply of moisture, as this keeps the plant growing and developing. If we notice that the pseudobulbs start to shrivel we should give the plant a good soak in water. Spraying the top layer of the bark medium and misting is also a good way to raise the comfort of the orchid.
Fertilize every other week with a growth supporting fertilizer and switch to a bloom booster as soon as the flower spike shows.



This Aliceara is a intermediate - warmth type orchid and doesn't like either too cold or to hot, the temperature of the house in which we feel comfortable will be fine for her. Saying that a small drop of temperatures during the night time can induce blooming and a growth stage especially if you notice your plant has been stagnant for a few weeks.



Best planted in a water retentive but light airy mix, medium to small sized bark mixed with charcoal or sphagnum moss will be perfect for it's needs and the moss will help to keep the moisture. Also I know people tend to add some coconut husk instead of the moss to the mix but I am not sure about that and personally never used it so I can't really confirm how it will work.
Remember this is not a small orchid! And definitely not a space saver, as in good conditions it will grow and grow but it gives plenty of love and beauty back.

Although it's very popular it's not easily accessible and so far I have only seen it on the on-line website for Orchideen-Wichmann, but they have great prices and wonderful strong and healthy plants so yeah, go get them!



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Some pictures presented in this article may not belong to me and are a property of their respectable owners.

Comments

  1. Is this seasonal blooming or all year all around?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Is this seasonal blooming or all year all around?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Is this seasonal blooming or all year all around?

    ReplyDelete

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