Vanda coerulea Griff. ex Lindl. 1847, commonly called The Blue Vanda, is an epiphytic growing orchid species, native to the Himalayas, India, Nepal, Bhutan, South China (Yunnan), Myanmar (formerly Burma), North Thailand, Laos and Vietnam.

The blue orchid has been primarly described by Sir John Lindley from the description of the orchid found in the Khasia Hills of Assam (India) by William Griffiths. For a long period Vanda coerulea orchids been considered as extremly rare in the wild and are just found in the Khasia Hills of Assam. So the stunning blue orchid has been listed in the 1970 th with CITES Appendix I (Commercial trade in wild-caught specimens of these species is illegal, permitted only in exceptional licensed circumstances). As it has been known, that the natural distribution of Vanda coeruela is much wider, at least the blue orchid is widespread in the Himalayas, its conservation status has been changed to CITES Appendix II (trade controlled to avoid use incompatible with species survival).

Flowers get a size of about 10 - 13 cm in diameter, the notable lip (labellum) get a length of about 2 cm. Inflorescences reach lengths up to 60 cm and carry up to about 15 flowers. Colors vary from blue to blueish lavender, pink to reddish pink and white, which is quite rare. Colors are solid or tessellated. The blue orchid may flower freely 4–5 times a year in optimal conditions. Main flowering period: July - December. Vanda coerulea orchids are widely used by orchid breeders for hybridisation. The orchid requires cool to warm temperatures and bright light to full sun.

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Image: Blue Vanda (Vanda coerulea)

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Image: Vanda coerulea pink flower

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