If you’re looking for a truly special orchid to add to your collection, the vanda coerulea is a breathtaking choice. Often called the Exquisite Blue Orchid, this plant is famous for its stunning sky-blue to lavender flowers.
It’s not the easiest orchid to grow, but with the right knowledge, you can succeed. This guide gives you clear, step-by-step advice to help your blue orchid thrive.
Vanda Coerulea – Exquisite Blue Orchid
This orchid is native to Northeast India, Myanmar, Thailand, and parts of China. It grows high up in open, deciduous forests. Unlike many orchids, it loves bright light and cooler temperatures.
What makes it so special is its flower color. True blue is very rare in the orchid family. The vanda coerulea achieves it through a unique combination of pigments. The flowers are also long-lasting and have a delicate, sweet scent.
Why Choose a Blue Vanda?
There are many reasons to grow this plant:
- Unique Color: It offers a color you simply can’t find in most other orchids.
- Long Bloom Time: Well-grown plants can flower for several weeks, sometimes even months.
- Hybrid Potential: It is a key parent for breeding other blue orchids, so you’re growing a piece of history.
- Architectural Form: Its upright growth and strappy leaves make it attractive even when not in bloom.
Perfect Light and Location
Light is the most important factor for getting your vanda coerulea to flower. It needs very bright, indirect light.
- An east or south-facing window (with some sheer curtain protection in summer) is ideal in the Northern Hemisphere.
- It can tolerate some direct morning sun, but avoid harsh afternoon rays that can scorch the leaves.
- A sign of good light is leaves that are a medium green color. Dark green leaves usually mean it needs more light.
If natural light is limited, you can use grow lights. LED panels designed for orchids work very well. Aim for 12-14 hours of light per day.
Getting Temperature and Humidity Right
This orchid appreciates a distinct difference between day and night temperatures. This change helps trigger blooming.
- Daytime Temperatures: Aim for 70-85°F (21-29°C).
- Nighttime Temperatures: A drop to 55-65°F (13-18°C) is perfect, especially in the fall.
- Humidity: They prefer humidity levels between 60-80%. This can be a challenge in home environments.
To increase humidity, you can:
- Use a room humidifier placed near the plant.
- Set the pot on a large pebble tray filled with water (ensure the pot sits above the water line).
- Group it together with other humidity-loving plants.
Dealing with Low Humidity
If your air is dry, you’ll need to water more frequently. The roots will dry out faster. Don’t panic if leaf tips go slightly brown; it’s a common adaptation. Focus on keeping the roots healthy.
Watering and Feeding Your Orchid
Vanda orchids are usually grown bare-root or in very coarse mix because their roots need lots of air. This means they need frequent watering.
- Watering Frequency: In warm, bright weather, you may need to water daily. In cooler, cloudy weather, it might be every 2-3 days. The roots should turn from silvery-green to bright green when watered.
- Method: Soak the entire root system in a bucket or sink for 10-15 minutes. Let it drain completely before hanging it back up. Never let it sit in water.
- Fertilizing: Feed weekly with a balanced orchid fertilizer (like 20-20-20), but diluted to 1/4 strength. A good rule is “weekly, weakly.”
Flush the roots with plain water once a month to prevent fertilizer salt buildup, which can damage the delicate roots.
The Best Potting Medium and Repotting
Traditional potting soil will kill a vanda. Their roots are designed to cling to trees and dry quickly.
- Best Options: Large chunks of charcoal, coarse fir bark, or lava rock. Many growers use a mix of all three.
- Alternative Method: Many vanda coerulea plants are grown in slatted wood baskets or net pots with no medium at all. This is excellent for air flow.
You only need to repot when the medium breaks down (becomes mushy) or the plant has outgrown its basket. This is typically every 2-3 years. Be gentle with the thick, fleshy roots.
Encouraging Blooms and Solving Problems
If your plant has healthy leaves and roots but won’t bloom, check these three things:
- Light: It probably needs more. Increase light exposure gradually.
- Temperature Drop: Ensure it gets that cooler night period, especially in autumn.
- Fertilizer: Switch to a “bloom booster” fertilizer (higher phosphorus number) for a few weeks in late summer.
Common Issues and Fixes
- Yellowing Leaves: Could be too much direct sun, or a sign of overwatering/root rot.
- Wrinkled Leaves: Usually means underwatering or that the roots are damaged and can’t take up water.
- No Root Growth: Often due to temperatures being too cool, or lack of water.
- Pests: Watch for scale and mealybugs. Treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
Remember, patience is key. These orchids sometimes need to reach a certain maturity before they begin flowering regularly.
Propagating Your Vanda Coerulea
You can propagate your plant by removing keikis (baby plants). These sometimes form on the flower spike or along the stem.
- Wait until the keiki has at least 2-3 roots that are 2-3 inches long.
- Using a sterile knife, cut the keiki from the mother plant, including its roots.
- Pot the keiki in a small basket with sphagnum moss and fine bark to retain a bit more moisture while it establishes.
- Care for it as you would a mature plant, but with slightly more frequent misting.
It can take several years for a keiki to grow large enough to bloom, so this is a long-term project. But it’s very rewarding to grow a new plant this way.
Seasonal Care Checklist
Adjust your care routine with the seasons for the best results:
- Spring/Summer (Growth Season): Maximize light, water and fertilize frequently, maintain warmth and high humidity.
- Fall (Bloom Season Prep): Ensure the nighttime temperature drop happens. Reduce fertilizer frequency slightly.
- Winter (Rest & Bloom): Water less often, especially if cool. Enjoy the flowers! Protect from cold drafts near windows.
FAQ About the Blue Orchid
How often does the blue vanda orchid bloom?
A mature, healthy vanda coerulea typically blooms once a year, usually in the fall. Sometimes, under perfect conditions, it may bloom twice.
Is the Vanda Coerulea difficult for beginners?
It is considered intermediate. Beginners should start with a more forgiving orchid like a phalaenopsis. However, if you can provide bright light and high humidity, you can certainly try.
Why are the leaves on my orchid turning red?
A reddish tint on the leaves is usually a sign of very high light levels. It’s not necessarily harmful, but if the leaves feel hot or show bleached spots, move it to a slightly shadier spot to prevent sunburn.
Can I grow this orchid outside?
Yes, if you live in a warm, humid climate (USDA zones 10-11). Hang it in a tree with dappled light. In temperate zones, you can put it outside in summer but bring it in well before nighttime temps drop below 50°F (10°C).
How long do the flowers last?
Each individual flower can last 3-4 weeks on the plant. Since the spike opens sequentially, the entire blooming period can extend for two months or more.
Where can I buy a genuine vanda coerulea?
Look for reputable orchid nurseries, either online or at orchid shows. Ensure they are selling nursery-propagated plants, as wild populations are protected and trade is restricted.