Family: Orchidaceae

There are about 40 species in this genus of epi­phytic orchids, native to India, Southeast Asia, the Philippines and Australia. Vandas are widely cultivated by orchid enthusiasts and grown commercially for the cut tlower market. They have been extensively hybridized.

Species

V. coerulea, from northern India, Burma and Thailand, is highly sought after for its clear blue flowers, this being an unusual colour in orchids. This species is now rare and threatened in the wild. Some plants show a tes­sellated or checkered pattern. This species has given rise to the famous V. Rothschildiana, which is violet-blue, with deeper veining.

V. tessellata has yellow-green or blueish flow­ers chequered in brown. It comes from India, Sri Lanka and Burma.

V. tricolor, with origins in Laos and Indonesia, has scented, yellow flowers patterned in reddish brown. The lip of the flower is reddish violet, striped with purple.

Cultivation

Grow in an intermediate to warm greenhouse or conservatory. Plant in slatted, wooden orchid baskets filled with a proprietary orchid compost, formulated for epiphytic orchids. Ensure very good light, but shade from direct strong sun. During the growing season in summer, water regularly, but when resting in winter, reduce watering. Plants will benefit from being mist sprayed daily in the growing season to create a humid atmosphere, and from liquid fertilizer every two weeks. Outdoors grow in a sunny or partially shaded, sheltered posi­tion and provide plenty of moisture. Propagate from offsets in spring. Alternatively, cuttings, formed of sections of stem, can be taken in spring.

Climate

Tropical.