Vandopsis gigantea (Lindl.) Pfitzer 1889 is an epiphytic, occasionally lithopytic growing, very big sized orchid species, native to Bangladesh, Myanmar (formerly Burma), South China, Thailand, Malaysia, Laos and Vietnam.

Leaves of mature Vandopsis gigantea orchids reach lengths up to about 0,5 meter. The leathery, fragrant, yellow spotted flowers get a size of about 7 cm in diameter. Inflorescences get a length of about 40 cm and carry up to about 15 long-lasting flowers. Unfortunatly Vandopsis gigantea needs an age of about 20 - 30 years until it starts to grow flowers. Flowering period: Spring - Summer. Vandopsis gigantea orchids are protected by CITES Appendix II (trade controlled to avoid use incompatible with species survival). The tropical orchid requires a warm - hot, humid climate and a location in full sunlight. As we found this quite rare in trade orchid at an orchid competition in our home city Chiang Mai, North Thailand in the beginning of May 2010, the hottest time of the year, the flowers got maybe a bit too much sun. The lips of young flowers are white and there are purple blotches at the sidelobes and the lips as well.

Fortunatly flower photographer Nat took a picture, as until today we should never see this beautiful orchid in bloom again. A few days ago we found a mature, 30 years old Vandopsis gigantea in an orchid online shop for the price of 1500.- US$, plus additional shipping costs as the orchid is very big and heavy.

Flower Photography © Orchids Flowers.com
Image: Vandopsis gigantea (Lindl.) Pfitzer 1889
Photographer: Kitisak “Nat” Jaidee