Vanda merrillii first of four spikes in bloom

[smweaver]

I always look forward to this species blooming every summer. Even though my plant only blooms once per year (I've read that it flowers repeatedly in its native Philippine habitat) and stubbornly refuses to produce more than fifteen flowers per spike, it does put on a good show every July with multiple spikes. This is the first of four spikes that's opened its blooms. Spikes aren't terribly long, but the vibrant colors and intense fragrance of the flowers make for a winning combination.

Steve