Vanda cristata is another of our favourite orchids from the Himalayas. It is a small growing plant that we have seen growing on trees and on rock faces in Sikkim from around 1400 to 18oom altitude. It generally grows in quite open positions either amongst other epiphytes or on bare branches as shown here by this lovely specimen flowering in Sikkim on a tree next to the road between Chumthang and Lachung.

Our good friend in Mohan Pradhan showed us that in Sikkim there are two distinct forms of the species – one with few large flowers and another with more smaller flowers. The two types may represent different species. The two forms are shown below.

We grow the species cool and bright in Cool Asia with heavy watering during the summer and just damp in the winter.