I define “needs care” orchids as those that, in temperate climates, are most suited to growing in a greenhouse or conservatory, where better conditions can be created to suit their needs.

This vibrantly colored hybrid comes from a long line of vandas bred from species native to India. These include the sky-blue V. coerulea and the cream, beige, and green V. sanderiana (syn. Euanthe sanderiana), both of which are rare in cultivation today. Their place has been taken in collections by the larger-flowered hybrids, which come in a wide range of exciting colors. The flowers are well rounded, with overlapping petals and sepals, and veined over their surface. The plants are fan-shaped, lack pseudobulbs, and produce their flower spikes from the leaf axils mainly during the winter. This hybrid was raised in 1984 in Florida, where vandas grow best – they are easy to grow in all tropical areas. In temperate climates they are challenging and need extra care, but will reward you with flowers that last four to five weeks: all-year-round light, high temperatures, and humidity are essential for growth and flowering. In Southeast Asia these orchids are grown in their teams of thousands for the cut-flower trade.

Flower Size: 3 1/2 inches (9cm) across

Flower Spike: 9 inches (23cm)

Plant Height: 2 feet (60cm)

Basket Size: 4 inches (10cm) long