Yesterday we had a Renathera imschootiana which grows a metre high and has long flower spikes – today we have its diminutive cousin Vanda testacea. This lovely species is one of the smaller growing Vandas and the plant shown is 20cm tall and 30cm wide. the long lasting yellow and pink flowers are held well clear of the leaves and the species likes to produce multiple spikes.

Vanda testacea is native to The Himalayas from Nepal to Mayanmar and also from Sri Lanka where it is found from 700 to 2000m. The range implies it can take quite cool temperatures but we find it enjoys life with the other Vandas in Warm Asia.