Vanda coerulescens

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A small-sized, evergreen, tropical, warm to cool-growing, monopodial orchid species. New growth emerges from the tip on a central rhizome, covered in alternate leaf sheaths, carrying strap-shaped, green or dark green leathery, deeply furrowed leaves. As the new leaves appear from the top, older leaves, lower on the stem gradually drop off. Roots grow out directly from the main stem, following the ascending growing trend. Inflorescences that can be 60 - 100cm long emerge from the axils of leaf sheaths and the stem and carry large number of small, waxy, long-lasting flowers. Petals and sepals are distinctively narorwed at the base, white or pale purple or pink. Small lip is usually darker in colour.

Scientific classification

Species: Vanda coerulescens (Vanda coerulescens)
Genus: Vanda
Family: Orchidaceae

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Toxicity: Information to be completed
Plant type: 1-1.5 metres
Height: 0.5-1 metres
Spread: Evergreen
Foliage: Columnar upright
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Season of interest: Partial shade · Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Vanda coerulescens pictures

Distribution of Vanda coerulescens

Distribution map

Eastern India and Southern China to Myanmar and Thailand

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Culture

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Toxicity

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Quick identification of Vanda coerulescens

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Vanda coerulescens care guide

Keep potting medium lightly moist, never stagnant, with generous airflow
Watering: Partial shade · Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Keep potting medium lightly moist, never stagnant, with generous airflow

Fertilizing

Half-strength orchid feed every two to three weeks during active growth

Pruning

Remove spent flower stems at the base. Old, ''leggy'' plants with bare stems can be cut during their active growing season to reduce the size of the plant. Cut through the rhizome, below the new developed set of aerial roots. Lowering apical dominance by laying plant horizontally, or hanging upside down will support the growth of new roots.

Propagation

Propagation by seed is only possible in a controlled laboratory environment. Mature plants produce sideshoots (keiki) which may be removed and potted separately, when the new roots (preferably 3 or more) are at least 2cm long.

Growing

For successful cultivation and frequent flowering, plants require high light levels and long, light days. In summer, they would benefit from being in a warm and bright greenhouse or conservatory, but direct, mid-day sun should be avoided. Highly absorbent, sponge-like roots are the principal water-storage organs. Dark green or purplish tips of the roots may be observed as a sign of actively growing plant. They are heavy feeders and require regular application of orchid fertiliser between spring and autumn. High air humidity (70 -80%), good air circulation and regular misiting should be provided frequently when in active growth. In cooler climates with shorter days, plants may go dormant in winter. Misting may be reduced to avoid rots, but plants shouldn't be left dry for long periods. Ideal temperature range is 15°C in winter and up to 30°C during summer months. Plants can be grown in an open baskets, or in a coarse, bark-based epiphyte orchid mix.

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Common pests and diseases

Diseases

Generally disease-free. Poor air movement may cause bacterial of fungal rots. Good hygiene practice and sterilising cutting tools prevent the spread of virus diseases.