This vanda cross expresses the dominant traits of v. tricolor suavis (spotting), the color contributed by v. coerulea and is darkened up by v. tessellata.  Most modern hybrids contain all of these contributing plants paired with e. sanderiana.

V. Rothchildiana is a primary hybrid of e. sanderiana and v. coerulea.  It combines favorable features of both species including brilliant color, fuller form, and an increased tolerance for cool weather.

V. Tessellata line breeding has resulted in near black clones like V. Tessellata ‘Mary Motes’ FCC, AOS.  These dark color forms contribute rich, deepened colors to their offspring.

Jeremolly Vanda Home Page

Breeding Vandas

Genetic Influence

There is a veritable paucity of information concerning the dominant characteristics of many vanda species.  Most vanda and ascocenda crosses consist of predominantly six to eight parents.  However, there are over 25 known species, and a world of untapped genetic potential that may open up the world of vanda and ascocenda hybridization.  The key to this world may only be open to the daring and the patient, but it stands to reason that it is nonetheless available.

While cattleya and other orchid hybridizing is entering its golden age and beyond, the line breeding and exploration of the vanda group is in its relative toddler hood.  Early Thai and Hawaiian hybridizing has moved the breeding out of its infancy, there seems to be a great deal of undiscovered genetic territory to explore.

Vanda Luzonica and Tricolor

When it comes to pink vandas, the most dominant parent is v. luzonica with v. tricolor suavis falling a close second.  Most of the plants with dark spotting also contain v. tricolor suavis in the background.  Drawbacks include the often complete dominance of color, very large plants, and smallish flowers.

Euanthe Sanderiana

No other plant can claim as much influence over the form of the modern vanda as e. sanderiana.  Its dominant characteristics include large, flat forms and the occasional masking found in first, second, and third generation crosses.  Drawbacks can include a muddying of colors in the masking, particularly at the base of the flower sepals and intolerance to the cold.

Vanda Coerulea

My blue heaven can be inherited through the dominant blue and purple hues of coerulea.  This parent lends the purple color, tessellation, long/upright bloom spikes, and cold tolerance.  Drawbacks can include drooping giant flowers on overextended spikes and occasionally a twisted flower form derived from unimproved, jungle-collected species.  These plants may also be more sensitive to hot temperatures than other vanda species.

Vanda Tessellata

Dark color forms of v. tessellata lend a great deal of depth, waxy texture and substance, and occasionally fragrance to offspring.  Some progeny tend to be brown, gray, or slate blue, and could be considered less desirable colors to pass on.

V. Loki is a primary hybrid between v. luzonica and v. tricolor suavis.  Note the pink color and unique barring.  When this trait is passed along in other plants a genetic delay in the genes may cause the color pink to be expressed as spotting or complete coloration.

Occasionally, a near white form e. sanderiana contributes its color and masking to its progeny.  This ascocenda is free-flowering and blooms large white flowers 3-4 times a year.  Other alba forms of plants have rarely been discovered and cloned like the v. coerulea ‘alba’ and ascocentrum ampullacium ‘alba’

V. tessellata crosses like v. mimi palmer, v. arjuna, and others offer a wide range of possibilities for future breeding that may work to both extend the current genetic pool beyond luzonica, tricolor, sanderiana, and coerulea.  Other important future parents may include v. cristata for its lip and v. denisoniana for its substance.