Blue Orchids Plant

Blue Orchids Plant: does it exist naturally ?, history, care

Much has been written about the existence of blue orchids.Some people say that they do not exist in nature. The reasons they claim is that like roses and many other flowers, orchids do not have the genetic component required to produce the blue pigment.

However, as many orchid lovers know by heart, they play in another league and can not be compared to other plants . With more than 1,100 genera and 23,000 unique species of orchids, the Orchidaceae family is incredibly full of surprises.

Orchids are plants that contain some mystery , that most do not need land to grow is quite shocking to many people, and if we also talk about a blue orchid, everything is even more mysterious. 
It is not easy to find many blue flowers in nature, it seems that our mother earth has a greater predilection for other colors, such as whites or roses, but if you ask me , are there blue orchids? The answer is yes!! There are blue orchids. 
Although there are many orchids with flowers with some blue touch, in combination with others, such as white, yellow, roses … the true blue orchid is the Vanda coerulea.

The blue orchids are also known as Vanda coerulea, this is another species of wild orchids that belongs to the genus Vanda of the subfamily Epidendroideae. 

I invite you also to read my article about the Vanda coerulea where you will find more information about the blue orchids. We are going to do our own research on this topic. The conclusion we have reached is explained below:

Table Of Contents

• 1 What is the problem with blue flowers?
• 2 Are there really blue orchids?
  • 2.1 The Vanda orchid includes the blue color:
  • 2.2 Care of the blue orchid Vanda:
• 3 The story of the blue orchid:
  • 3.1 Vanda Coerulea, the true blue orchid:
• 4 Where can we find blue orchids naturally?
• 5 Are the real blue Phalaenopsis orchids?
  • 5.1 Stained blue orchids:
• 6 What is the meaning of a blue orchid flower?

What is the problem with blue flowers?

When it comes to flowers and foliage, blue is not one of nature’s favorite colors.

“Less than 10% of the 280,000 species of plants that have the ability to flower produce blue flowers,” says David Lee, author of “Nature’s Palette: The Science of Plant Color” and retired professor in the Department of Biological Sciences of the International University of Florida in Miami.

According to Lee, there is no true blue pigment in the plants.

For example, there are no true blue roses in nature because they lack the gene to secrete delphinidin, the source of blue pigmentation in flowers. The blue roses that can be seen in the market are the product of a tedious genetic modification, cross-pollination or the ingenious use of dyes or floral painting …

Are there really blue orchids?

Yes. Blue orchids exist in nature.

As we mentioned before, orchids, with an army of species spread all over the world, play in a league of their own. That’s why we were not surprised when we learned that orchids are one of the few species that can produce blue flowers.

In an effort to find the answer about true blue orchids, we have read many blogs that claim to have blue Dendrobium orchids or blue Phalaenopsis orchids, but they do not provide any evidence to make us believe they are real and not computer-edited photos.

The only true blue orchid we have confirmed based on our research is the Vanda coeruelea , colloquially known as the blue orchid or the blue Vanda.

The Vanda orchid includes the color blue:

The Vanda orchid is one of the most coveted genres.

Vandas are monopod orchids, which means they are one foot and grow up. They have long leaves on each side of the spike. Its flowers are big and lovely. They come in a wide variety of colors, such as white, orange, pink, purple and blue.

Characteristics of Blue Orchids

In general, what is known about blue orchids is that they are medium-sized plants compared to other species of the Orchidaceae family. Highlights the coloration because blue and violet orchids can occur . On the other hand, among other important aspects it is worth mentioning that it is an epiphytic orchid, this means that it grows and develops on the trunks of the Áborles, where it has its roots. It can also be said that this species of blue orchids has stems that are considered robust.

In general, among other aspects of the blue orchid flowers when they flower they reach about 60 centimeters in total length, and their structure is maintained in an erect position and in some cases it is upright. The appearance of these flowers is usually similar to blue phalaenopsis orchids. On the other hand it is noteworthy that in this species the coloration occurs naturally and not as in the case of stained blue orchids that are painted by trade.

It is usually very common for orchids to be considered as plants to have at home, while taking into account their main needs in terms of blue orchid care  and maintaining the conditions for their vitality and growth. In this way, with regard to blue orchids, their care is usually taken into account because they are blue exotic orchids. Before considering having one of these plants at home, the ideal is to learn about all the characteristics that these orchids entail, in order to know the type of care.

In these cases when the orchids are inside the home, they are usually placed in aerial pots, that is, they are hanging from a support so that the plant in its epiphytic needs can absorb through its roots the moisture that needs located in the environment without major problem.

Care of the blue orchid Vanda:

We have a complete article about how to take care of the blue orchids and what is studied in this article regarding the Vanda applies completely.

Vanda Coerulea comes from the fresh and tropical forests of the mountains of Asia. In nature, these blue orchids bloom in the fall season. That said, it’s better to imitate that growth condition.

In this article is all the information about this orchid species:  All about Vanda Orchid

Fertilizers And Nutrients For The Blue Orchid

as a substrate you can also locate soil that contains some type of pineapple bark, that is, Osmunda fiber and in other cases it may contain fir bark. In relation to the above, the ideal would be to consider using a substrate prepared with the pH balanced in relation to the cultivation of orchids in the home.

Lighting And Illumination

Regarding care, it is of utmost importance to add more attention to everything that involves light, since for orchids of any kind is an element of vital importance in their growth and development. In the case of blue orchids, abundant sunlight is needed so that they can fulfill their vital functions.

So taking into account the above, the ideal place for blue orchids inside the home should be where they can get sunlight easily without it coming directly, as this would cause their leaves to burn with heat . Although it is important that they stay in the shade they need at least a few hours a day of sunlight.

Water And Irrigation

it is known that the orchids in terms of irrigation need to have optimal drainage conditions, since in general the growth of these plants is given by the irrigations of frequent way, it is a necessity that the plant remains in a situation of humid weather. However, taking into account that the waterings are carried out frequently, it is necessary to completely avoid that the water stagnates in the substrate of the plant, for this reason, the best recommendation is to wait until the orchid has completely absorbed the water and the substrate is dry to add the next irrigation.

The story of the blue orchids:

The amazing blue orchids wwere first seen in 1837 by Dr. William Griffith, a botanist and naturalist, in the Khasia Hills of Assam, a state in northeastern India. Unfortunately, Dr. Griffith’s Vanda Coerulea died when he brought her to England.

In the middle of the century, Joseph Dalton Hooker, a British botanist and explorer, wrote about his unforgettable encounter with blue orchids in the very hills of Assam.

Fragment of the book:

“Near the village of Larnac, there are some oak forests where the Vanda Coerulea grows, waving its light blue leaves by the wind. We collected seven plants for the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, but due to accidents and difficulties that occurred, few specimens reached live England. “

Vanda Coerulea, the true blue orchid:

The Vanda orchid is a species that can reach a large size. In addition to blue, this evasive orchid also blooms pink and white. For many, the purest white found in the entire genus of Vanda orchids.

Based on the website of the Royal Botanic Gardens, the flowers of these blue orchids grow up to 14 centimeters wide and have a prominent lip (lip) of only two centimeters in length, a rare feature for Vanda orchids, which can also to be seen in an almost identical species, V. Coerulescens.

In its natural habitat, it grows on deciduous trees, with a rough bark, like oak. Vanda Coerulea has spikes of flowers that sometimes divide and produce up to 22 to 33 flowers per plant. This is much more compared to other species of orchids of the genus Vanda.

Where can we find blue orchids in a natural way?

The Vanda Coerulea orchid is native to India. However, there are numerous sightings that have been narrated in other neighboring countries of Asia, including:

China, Bhutan, Nepal, northern Thailand, Burma, Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia.

Are the real blue Phalaenopsis orchids?

We are sorry for having taken away the illusion. The blue Phalaenopsis orchids that are seen in the market, although without a doubt, are very beautiful, they are not naturally blue.

Stained blue orchids:

Actually, Phalaenopsis orchids bloom in a rainbow of impressive colors and shades including a subtle purple, electric pink, lemon yellow, orange yellow, all except blue.

The blue Phalaenopsis orchids sold in markets are simply pure white flowers that were meticulously dyed. This includes the popular variety of Blue Mystique orchids. These orchids were launched at the tropical plant industry exhibition in 2011. These blue Phalaenopsis orchids are the result of a patented dyeing process in naturally white orchids.

There are many disappointments among the first-time growers who buy blue orchids with all the illusion of the world and, when they come back to flower, they see that the flower is totally white.

What is the meaning of a blue orchid flower?

Blue flowers of all types have historically been associated with love. Desire and love are often transmitted through blue flowers. On the other hand the blue color is associated with peace and tranquility. Blue flowers can also be used to convey these feelings. Blue orchids represent power, beauty and peace.

The blue orchids, as happens with the rest of the flowers and plants, lack their own meaning because of their color, but if we use them as a gift then the situation changes a lot. 
For centuries, what has been called the language of flowers , which started in the Victorian era , has been created . 
The use of flowers, floral arrangements and the exchange of flowers, became a coded language, through which feelings could be expressed without the need for words. 
This way of expressing what we feel has been transferred to our time, it is usual for lovers to give each other red roses, which have become an icon among couples who want to show love and passion.
In the same way, giving a blue orchid is also an act full of its own symbolism , associated above all with the color of its flowers.

What it means to give a blue orchid

All the blue flowers, among which we must include the blue orchids, have a meaning that is associated with the blue color: peace and harmony. 
But, if what we want is to transfer a message giving away a blue orchid, that meaning has many meanings, above all it can vary depending on who gives the orchids and who gives them to them.

• Blue orchids to show eternal love. One of the most romantic meanings that blue orchids have, has to do with eternal love. 
  It seems that like the blue of the sky and the sea as a reflection of this, they are blue, if we want to express the immensity of our love, nothing better than giving a blue orchid. 
  Of course, it is appropriate when we talk about stable couples.
• A blue orchid to show appreciation. When we want to show someone, how much we appreciate your help or support received, nothing better than a blue orchid. 
  We do not have to forget that blue is the color of business, and what is a business but a mutual agreement between parties? If you want to finish a business well, give a blue orchid.
• Friendship, trust and loyalty with blue orchids. We return to confidence and blue. 
  The confidence of business, loyalty and … friendship. They do not stop being similar situations. 
  Many people who do business together end up creating a bond of friendship, respect and trust, perhaps even admiration. Well, we can give a blue orchid, to show all these feelings to a friend.
• Tranquility and calm, with blue orchid flowers. It has always been said that green was the color of tranquility, personally I find blue much more relaxing. 
  If I had to give flowers that reflect these feelings of solidarity, support, tranquility in difficult times, I would resort to blue flowers. Maybe a blue orchid?

These are the ones that we could affirm as more evident feelings associated with blue orchids, but not the only ones. For example,blue is also a sophisticated color, and if we give away a blue Vanda … we could not give away a more sophisticated flower.