Vanda coerulea (in bloom)

[Bud]

Presenting: Vanda coerulea, commonly known as Blue Vanda or Autumn Lady's Tresses, is a species of orchid endemic to Assam and neighbouring Khasi hills with its range extending to China (southern Yunnan). It is known as Bhatou phul in Assamese, Kwaklei in Manipuri, October in Mizo and Vandaar in Sanskrit. It has bluish purple flowers (no orchid has true blue flowers) which has a longer bloom-lifespan compared to other orchids.
The juice of the flower is used by ancient healers as eye drops against glaucoma, cataract and blindness. Active ingredients of Vanda coerulea is also used by modern pharmaceuticals to fight against the visible signs of ageing skin .
This is an early bloom because it bloomed for me last spring (species usually bloom only once a year but I guess I got lucky for this plant will bloom for me twice this season)
This plant is cold hardy and can withstand below 45F for a short period...it drinks and feeds a lot during summers and can slowly adapt to direct sunlight from sunrise to 10am on my fire escape and then shaded by the tall Manhattan buildings til dusk...it stays in a tall big glass vase (18inches tall) in winters...and likes to have its roots hang free out on the hot and humid Manhattan summers...