Looking for a first Vanda, terete or semi-terete

[Jim S]

I see there are three Vanda Alliances, I hope this is the correct one for my question. I'm looking for suggestions on a Vanda, my first, that can thrive under the following conditions:

terete or semi-terete leaves

grown in potting medium rather than mounted

I have all ranges of light, from nearly 100% sun to very bright indirect

humidity 40-70%, good to excellent air movement

temp: 60 to 75/80 degrees

Any suggestions would be welcome, I appreciate your help, thank you.

[estación seca]

Papilionanthe (formerly Vanda) teres, or any of its primary or secondary hybrids. Ple. Miss Joaquim is the best known of these. If you write to RF Orchids or Motes Orchids in southern Florida they can probably help you find one, or something similar. Your rooftop growing area should be perfect in summer.

[Jim S]

Thank you, I appreciate your help.

[Roberta]

Consider V. cristata, or its primary hybrid with V. tricolor, V. Paki.
Or, if you want something really special, look for Cleisocentron gokusingii (semi-terete) or Cleisocentron. merrillianum (terete). Both have truly blue flowers, a rarity in plants in general and especially in orchids. Clcntn. gokusingii is easier to find, though sometimes mislabeled Clcntn. merrillianum.

[Fairorchids]

With your temperature range, you can grow Papilionanthes, but probably not bloom them.

I would also rule out V. (Euanthe) sanderiana. Hybrids with strong V. sanderiana influence (often 60-75%) are hit or miss. Some bloom fairly easily, and some rarely.

Most hybrids with blue flowers should do well. If you have room for it, V. tricolor would do very well.

[Roberta]

Cleisocentron are very cold-tolerant (I grow mine outside). Since they come from a range of elevations, cold isn't a requirement to bloom. They are just really forgiving. Little flowers, but true blue not coerulea. And bloom 2 or 3 times a year. Also very compact. Relatively low light.