I thought the same thing at first, honestly. I didn't get all the hoopla over them...but they eventually became my favorite orchids. The flowers are similar to Phals (I think the two are related, if I'm not mistaken?) but as mentioned, they're much larger flowers and come in more vibrant colors. Like coeruleo said, they're very exotic looking even when not in bloom. I also kind of consider them a gold standard for lighting - if I can bloom a Vanda, then I can bloom anything. Vandaceous orchids require more light than any other genre. The challenge they present also makes them more fun and I personally appreciate them more because of it. That being said, I do tend to glare at mine a lot...the things are incredibly slow and frustrating for an impatient person such as myself.