VANDA

The name "Vanda" is derived from the Sanskrit name for the species Vanda tessellata. The name Vandas will be used here to cover all vandaceous orchids including Vanda, Ascocentum, Aerides, Renanthera, Rhynchostylis, etc. and hybrids between them. Although there are some vandaceous orchids that originate in mountainous areas most are low-level plants that love warm temperatures. This group of orchids is found throughout the Eastern Hemisphere with the center of distribution being Southeast Asia.

Another desirable feature of many Vanda hybrids, such as Ascocenda, is their tendency to bloom several times throughout the year when they are given the proper conditions. Coupled with the long-lasting flowers it can indeed seem as if they are in continuous bloom. Although these are definitely tropical orchids they can be among the most rewarding to grow if you can meet their requirements. The broad range of brilliant colors and their free-blooming habit will provide satisfaction throughout the months when there are scarcely any other orchids in bloom.

Vandas may be small plants with many small brightly-colored flowers or large plants with large flowers. Vandas can have a powerful fragrance. Rhynchostylis and Aerides are noted for their delightful citrus or musky scent. One of the most desirable qualities of Vandas is the wide range of pure, brilliant colors. Yellow, orange, scarlet, deep purple and bright fuschia are all part of the vandaceous color palette. Some flowers sport exotic markings or can be covered with spots or stripes. The genus has a monopodial growth habit with leaves that are highly variable according to habitat. Some have flat, typically broad, ovoid leaves (strap-leaves), while others have cylindrical (terete), fleshy leaves and are adapted to dry periods. The stems of these orchids vary considerably in size; there are miniature plants and plants with a length of several meters.

Vandas can have a powerful fragrance. Rhynchostylis and Aerides are noted for their delightful citrus or musky scent. One of the most desirable qualities of Vandas is the wide range of pure, brilliant colors. Yellow, orange, scarlet, deep purple and bright fuschia are all part of the vandaceous color palette. Some flowers sport exotic markings or can be covered with spots or stripes. The genus has a monopodial growth habit with leaves that are highly variable according to habitat. Some have flat, typically broad, ovoid leaves (strap-leaves), while others have cylindrical (terete), fleshy leaves and are adapted to dry periods.

The stems of these orchids vary considerably in size; there are miniature plants and plants with a length of several meters.

There are few to many flattened flowers growing on a lateral inflorescence. Most show a yellow-brown color with brown markings, but they also appear in white, green, orange, red and burgundy shades. The lip has a small spur.

Vandas usually bloom every few months and the flowers last for two to three weeks.

This genus is one of the five most horticulturally important orchid genera, because it has some of the most magnificent flowers to be found in the entire orchid family. This has contributed much to the work of hybridists producing flowers for the cut flower market. Vanda coerulea is one of the few botanical orchids with blue flowers (actually a very bluish purple), a property much appreciated for producing interspecific and intergeneric hybrids. Vanda dearei is one of the chief sources of yellow color in Vanda hybrids.