Vanda Pakchong Blue times two

[Orchid Whisperer]

I'd never purchased any Vandas before 2013. Last year, I thought I would try some to see how they would do. I bought several young plants, bagged varieties from the local big-box store, including a V. Pakchong Blue 'Giant'. Roots not in great shape but not too horrible, leaves a bit dehydrated, but manageable. A second plant that was labeled on the outside of the package as a red hybrid also turned out to be another V. Pakchong Blue 'Giant'. Oh well, 2 of the same thing - could be worse. All of the plants are growing as vase culture plants (much easier to manage those crazy roots).

After 1 year, both plants hit their first bloom. When the spike started, one moved into my office, the other stayed at home. Both are now in bloom - first flowering with 2 blooms each.

Here's a couple photos of the plant at the office (sorry - only camera available is on my phone):






Here are the pictures of the one that is at home:



Of course, it is also growing in the same type of container, no medium.

Here is a close-up of the blooms; they are 4 inches across; just 2 of them but hey, it is a first-bloom plant: