Vanda (van-dah) or vanda orchids are one of the most sought-after orchid plants in the treasure trove of orchid horticulture.
Vanda Orchids Fast Facts:
According to sources, the equally exotic name of this orchid genus originated from the Sanskrit or Urdu name of a specific vanda orchid species, the Vanda tessellate, which has spread and has been used from then on to reference the entire genus.
- Subfamily: Epidendroideae
- Tribe: Vandeae
- Subtribe: Aeridinae/ Sarcanthinae
- Growing Type: Monopodial and epiphytes
- Blooming Season: Vanda orchids can flower all year round, but the peak is between spring and fall.
A standout among the 880 genera-strong Orchidaceae family, vanda orchids are regarded for their large, sweet-smelling, usually, five-petal blooms that can go from 1 to 4 inches in diameter. Vanda orchids can come in an exciting array of vivid colors, from white, orange, burgundy, or pink.
However, it’s the rarer blue and purple vanda orchids have the highest value. Vanda coerulea, otherwise known as the Blue Orchid or autumn lady's tresses, and the Vanda Miss Joaquim (the national flower of Singapore) both have especially stunning sapphire blue flowers.
Sadly, these blue vanda orchids are on the brink of extinction these days. In fact, because of their endangered species status, it’s illegal to uproot these type of vanda orchids from the wild or from their natural habitat.
Two Types of Vanda Orchids
There are a couple of notable distinctions about some species of vanda orchids, depending on the leaves.
- Strap-leaf vanda orchids – which have flat, broad, and ovoid or egg-shaped leaves
- Terete-leaf vanda orchids – which feature cylindrical, fleshy leaves
Vanda Orchids Species
Currently, there are more or less 70 vanda orchids species recognized around the world. Here are some popular examples:
- Vanda alpina (Himalaya to China - S. Yunnan)
- Vanda arbuthnotiana (India)
- Vanda arcuata (Indonesia - Sulawesi)
- Vanda barnesii (North Luzon, Philippines)
- Vanda bensonii (Assam to Thailand)
- Vanda bicolor (Bhutan)
- Vanda bidupensis (Vietnam)
- Vanda brunnea (China - Yunnan to Indo-China)
- Vanda celebica (Indonesia – Sulawesi)
- Vanda chlorosantha (Bhutan)
- Vanda coerulea : "Blue Orchid" (Assam to China - S. Yunnan)
- Vanda coerulescens (Arunachal Pradesh to China - S. Yunnan)
Highly regarded for their disarming beauty by many orchid growers, vanda orchids are a favorite ingredient in creating new orchid hybrids and intergeneric orchids. Mokara orchids, Aranda orchids, and Kegawaras to name a few.
Vanda Orchids in Los Angeles
Vanda orchids are a native of Southeast Asian countries and can be found thriving on trees in the tropical forests of India, Himalaya, the Philippines, Vietnam, China, and New Guinea. But there are also some species of vanda orchids that originated from Australia and Europe.
Because of its ever-sunny situation, it’s not impossible to spot magnificent vanda orchids in Los Angeles. If orchids are your passion, we recommend visiting various orchidariums and botanical gardens all over LA. The Arboretum of Los Angeles County, Descanso Gardens, and South Botanic Garden are some of our top picks.
On the other hand, if you wish to possess your private orchid collection blooming every day just for you, go see our captivating orchid plant arrangements. A stone’s throw away from the prime addresses of the City of Angels, Orchid Republic offers flower delivery anywhere in Los Angeles and Orange County.
Vanda Orchid Care Tips
While growing vanda orchids can be tough for beginners, caring and maintaining for your orchid plant is no rocket science. Check out these practical steps on how to maintain the loveliness of your vanda orchids.
- Vanda orchids love sunshine in the morning. But at noon when the sun becomes too intense and damaging, don’t forget to put them in a shadier spot.
- Water potted vanda orchids twice a week.
- Vanda orchids require 80 percent of humidity, which can be achieved through misting or with a humidifier.
Answer your frequently asked questions about growing and maintaining for your orchids, succulents, and flowers by going through our Product Care page.
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