Aliceara (Alcra.) Stellar 'Hoku'

Prepare to be captivated by the striking Aliceara Stellar 'Hoku', a gorgeous intergeneric Oncidiinae and an excellent example of local floricultural excellence, bred by the renowned James McCulley. This particular clone, 'Hoku', which means "star" in Hawaiian, certainly lives up to its name with its brilliant, star-shaped blooms. 

Now, for the family tree! Aliceara Stellar is a fascinating intergeneric hybrid, meaning it's a mix of different orchid genera. Its direct parentage is Oncidium Memoria Dale Lawless crossed with Aliceara Memoria Jay Yamada. To truly appreciate the genetic diversity here, we can trace it back further. The Aliceara genus itself is a nothogenus, a human-made hybrid grouping that combines Brassia, Miltonia, and Oncidium. So, 'Hoku' has quite the lineage, drawing on the best traits of these diverse wild orchids. The species that contribute to this lineage hail from various parts of Central and South America, each thriving in their specific native habitats, from humid cloud forests to drier, higher elevations.

The plant itself is sympodial, growing new pseudobulbs from the base. These pseudobulbs are typically ovoid to oblong, often slightly compressed, and can reach several inches in height. Each pseudobulb produces two to six strap-like, leathery leaves, usually bright green, that can be 10 to 18 inches long and about 1 to 2 inches wide.

When it comes to the flowers, prepare for a show! Aliceara Stellar 'Hoku' produces sprays of large, star-shaped flowers, typically 3 inches wide, on branched or unbranched inflorescences that emerge from the base of mature pseudobulbs. Each spike can bear several blooms, often between 6 and 8. The dominant color is a rich, deep burgundy or fuchsia, which strikingly contrasts with distinct white or light lavender markings, particularly on the lip and sometimes as splashes on the petals. The overall effect is nothing short of eye-catching. While fragrance is not a primary characteristic, the sheer visual impact more than makes up for it. These beauties can bloom for up to a month, providing a long-lasting display. While no specific AOS awards for 'Hoku' were readily found, the quality of this hybrid is certainly commendable.

Care Instructions

Light: Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct, scorching sunlight, which can burn the leaves. Filtered light, such as through a sheer curtain, is ideal.

Water: Water thoroughly when the potting medium approaches dryness. Do not allow the roots to sit in standing water. Frequent watering is generally preferred during active growth, with a slight reduction after pseudobulb maturation.

Temperature: Intermediate to warm temperatures. Daytime temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C) and nighttime temperatures between 55-65°F (13-18°C) are well-suited. A slight nighttime temperature drop can encourage blooming.

Humidity: Moderate to high humidity, ideally between 50% and 70%. If ambient humidity is low, consider using a humidity tray or humidifier.

Potting Medium: A well-draining medium is essential. A mix of bark, perlite, and sphagnum moss is often effective, allowing for good aeration while retaining some moisture. Repot when the medium breaks down or the plant outgrows its pot, typically every 1 to 2 years.

Offered in 4" pots.