The Waling waling orchid is seen for sale frequently. There is a steep price for the plant. We do have them and enjoy their blooms. It is also nice to be able to hang them in open baskets. Maybe the price is worth the enjoyment. This was almost the country flower at one point.
We keep ours on the tent frame hanging from a coat hanger and within a plastic basket. It does get some direct sunlight depending on the season here so we monitor it to be sure it isn’t getting to much strong and direct sun. Really one of the most attractive orchids we have.
This plant is native to Mindanao Island and various provinces there. It was over-collected in the past and is considered rare to find now in the wild.
- Core Identification & Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Vanda sanderiana
- Common Name: Waling-Waling, Sander’s Vanda, Queen of Philippine flowers, Diwata
- Family: Orchidaceae
- Varietals: labello-viridi, froebeliana, albata
- Habitat/Range: Philippines, Mindanao, Davao, Cotabato, and Zamboanga
- Morphology & Characteristics
- Growth Habit: Monopodial (single stem) Trunks of the dipterocarp tree at elevations below 500m
- Leaves: Strap shaped
- Flowers: on long spike arising from the stem are 8-12 flowers, often flat
- Bonsai Notes
- Sun Exposure: Indirect light
- Water: High humidity 70-80%
- Growing approach: Exposed roots in baskets, require significant air flow
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