The influence of E. Sanderiana and V. Coerulea can clearly be seen in this smashing modern hybrid.

The colors of many modern breeding line ascocendas are outstanding .  This color-forward style is typical of American Sensibilities.

Vanda Gordon Dillon v. “Blue Saphire” combines the platter-type form with large dark masking and spotting.  This cross expresses traits from E. Sanderiana, V. Tricolor v. Suavis, and V. Coerulea

Collecting Vandas and Ascocendas

A Tale of Two Terriors

The concept of terrior comes from a French word meaning “of the earth.”  Most often applied to wine, terrior refers to the art of producing the best possible crop for the natural environment available at the time, as opposed to introducing additives or man-made attempts at change.  This concept is helpful in discussing the diverse preferences of vanda growers and collectors.  Some orchid enthusiasts prefer the terrior, focusing their growing efforts on producing the finest examples of species and natural hybrids.  Others, however, strive for man-made innovation by selectively breeding for the brightest colors, largest flowers, or most immaculate form. 

American Sensibilities

Traditional American vanda breeders have strived for generations to produce larger, brighter, bolder flowers.  The results of their efforts can be seen in the platter-type vandas that are so popular at orchid shows today.  These flowers are often quite striking and very different from the vandas found in nature.  The overall appeal is brazen overtures leading to large, full-form, knockouts.  Plants in the left column depict many of these characteristics in the vandas and ascocendas commonly desired by many American growers and collectors.

The Species Lover

Some orchid aficionados prefer a collection of vanda species with improved form and variations on color.  These vanda lovers often admire the science and history behind the plants, and look to capture the array of naturally occurring species found in the vanda group.  The plants in the right column exemplify a terrior-style approach to collecting.  It can be a lifetime challenge to find a v. coerulea “alba,” a v.denisoniana void of a single brown spot, or a black current form of v. tessellata.

Tempus Fugit

In his book, Vandas: Their Botany, History, and Culture (1997), renowned vanda grower Martin Motes points out that many vanda species and hybrids are loved not for their traditional beauty, but for their uniqueness. 

This terrior-style hybrid retains the v. tessellata heritage and improves on many color forms found in nature.

This v. denisoniana represents generations of breeding in search of a pure yellow color devoid of the brown spotting found in nearly all denisoniana flowers.

Tempus Fugit is defined as the admiration of novelty for its own sake and for the beauty that is offered beyond the cliché.  Although this flower may not be outstanding according to the vanda judging standards of the American Orchid Society, it will find its place in the heart of a collector in search of outstanding, unique specimens.