Name: Vanda coerulea Griff. ex Lindl.
Synonyms: Vanda coerulea var. henschellii Stein
Etymology: coerulea = blue / sky-blue (Latin) — refers to the characteristic, rare bluish-violet color of the flowers.

First description:Validly described in 1847 by John Lindley in Edward's Botanical Register (33: t. 30) based on preliminary work by William Griffith.
Origin / Distribution: Northeast India (Assam, Meghalaya), Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and South China (Yunnan).
Location / Habitat: Epiphytic in open, light-filled mountain forests and oak groves at altitudes of approx. 800 to 1,700 meters. Compared to many other Vanda species, it is adapted to significantly cooler conditions with strong day-night temperature fluctuations and plenty of light.
Description & Notes: Vanda coerulea (known as the Blue Vanda) is one of the most spectacular species of the genus. It grows monopodially with distichous, leathery, strap-shaped leaves whose tips are notched. The upright, up to 50 cm long inflorescence produces 5 to 15 large flowers approx. 7 to 10 cm in diameter. The flowers are colored light blue to intense violet-blue and show a distinct, darker net pattern (tessellation).

In cultivation, this species requires cool-intermediate to warm-intermediate temperatures compared to lowland Vandas, and a significant nighttime temperature drop, which is crucial for flower formation. It needs a great deal of light (tolerates direct morning sun) and is best kept bare-rooted in hanging baskets or mounted. The thick aerial roots must be watered thoroughly every day but require rapid drying and very good air circulation. In winter, it requires a bright, cooler location with somewhat reduced watering.