"For local orchid enthusiasts, the name of Tan Chay Yan was immortalized through the famous Vanda hybrid bred by his son Robert Tan Hoon Siang, who was himself a past President of what is now the Orchid Society of South-East Asia (OSSEA). The sensational Vanda Tan Chay Yan (V. dearei x V. Josephine van Brero, registered 1952) helped to plant Singapore firmly on the orchid map of the world, and remains one of the finest hybrids we have ever produced. The appearance of Vanda Tan Chay Yan has been described as the strongest stimulus to orchid breeding in Singapore and Malaysia after the Second World War.
Like a new dawn when it first arrived, everyone was enchanted by the bold flowers of Tan Hoon Siang’s masterpiece: a rich blend of gold and apricot, right down to the showy red lip inherited from its 'Josephine van Brero' parent. In addition to winning hearts, the new hybrid soon started to win awards everywhere, receiving such accolades as the First Class Certificate of the RHS (1954) and the Trophy for Best Vanda at the 2nd World Orchid Conference (1957). This classic heritage orchid was named 'Vanda Tan Chay Yan' by Tan Hoon Siang in memory of his father, was widely grown in local gardens everywhere during the 1960s-70s, and was actually considered momentarily as a candidate for Singapore's National Flower. Of course, the latter honour eventually went to an even older local orchid hybrid: Vanda Miss Joaquim (registered 1893). " Heritage Orchids describing Vanda Tan Chay Yan on a local gardening forum GCS.
This hybrid is not so common now but good ones can still be found at Koh Keng Hoe nursery @ Adam Road.
I currently have two pots in the garden. One was given by my neighbour Edward and the other a recent purchase form OSSEA at The World Orchid Conference. The one from OSSEA is spiking and I eagerly waiting for it to bloom.
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