Vanda coerulescens aka Periwinkle Pinwheel

Taxonomy

Vanda coerulescens, also known as sky-blue vanda or Vanda coerulea orchid, is a small to medium-sized, evergreen, tropical orchid species native to Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, India, the eastern Himalayas, southern Yunnan province in China, Myanmar, and Thailand. It is a monopodial epiphyte that grows from a central rhizome, with new growth emerging from the tip. The plant has alternate leaf sheaths carrying strap-shaped, green or dark green leathery leaves, which gradually drop off as new leaves appear. The roots grow directly from the main stem. The inflorescences, ranging from 60 to 100cm long, emerge from the axils of leaf sheaths and the stem, bearing a large number of small, waxy, long-lasting flowers. The petals and sepals are narrow at the base and can be white, pale purple, or pink, while the small lip is usually darker in color. The Vanda coerulea orchid can reach a length of 75-150 cm and a width of 50 cm. Its stems are stout and carry distichous, ligulate, obliquely tridentate apically leaves that are coriaceous and conduplicate. The leaves, which are yellow-green and have deep grooves on the upper surface, grow unevenly and have a bulge on the underside. Leaves growing at the bottom of the plant fall after a few years.

Common names

Periwinkle Pinwheel, Lipgloss Orchid, Blue Orchid, Sky Blue Vanda

How to care for Periwinkle Pinwheel

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Periwinkle Pinwheel, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Lighting

Periwinkle Pinwheel requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Sky Blue Vanda will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.


More info:
Wikipedia