Vanilla

In the wild Vanilla planifolia is found in Central America and on the Caribbean islands, where it grows partly on the ground and partly as an epiphyte. It is a climbing plant with light green leaves. The flowers range in color from pale yellow to pale green. The lip is funnel-shaped, with a slightly undulating margin. The flowers are about 10 cm in diameter. They usually open only partially. Each inflorescence bears 8 to 10 flowers. Today on plantations they are pollinated artificially and form a long dry pod, which reaches us for sale as true vanilla in pods. Vanilla planifolia is the only commercially used orchid that has culinary value. Both the flowers and the pods of this species have an intense and characteristic scent.

Location: this orchid species belongs to a warm temperature regime.
Summer: 25-32 °C; winter: 20-27 °C. It is especially important that the winter temperature does not fall below + 20 °C, as prolonged exposure to such conditions leads to the rapid death of the plant. For successful cultivation of this orchid the night temperature should always be 4 °C lower than the daytime temperature. For example, if it is +30 °C during the day, then at night it should be no more than +26 °C.

Light: requires a sufficient amount of diffused light. South-facing windows are best for this orchid species; however, during the hot midday sun the orchid must be protected from direct sunlight: place it behind a curtain or in the shade of other plants. It blooms more readily in strong direct sun, but the overall appearance of the plant suffers because the leaves receive many sunburns.

Watering: directly depends on the cultivation temperature: the higher it is, the more often and thoroughly you should water. Excess water should freely drain from the pot, since water stagnation inside the pot or its saucer can very quickly lead to rotting of the roots and the lower part of the plant. It is best to water this orchid species using a hot shower. This simulates the natural conditions in the orchid's native habitat and positively affects the plant's growth and development. The water temperature should be 30-45 °C. The substrate should dry out between waterings, but not dry out completely.

Air humidity: needs high air humidity, not less than 75-90 %. Too dry air negatively affects the plant's growth and development; leaves and roots suffer especially.

Substrate: due to its creeping growth habit and large size, this orchid is mainly grown in a substrate. A mixture of small pieces of conifer bark with peat is best suited, however it is also possible to grow it in regular soil.

Repotting: is recommended every 2-3 years, because the substrate decomposes over that time and loses all its properties. Spring is considered the best time for repotting. Repotting this orchid often involves cutting off the lower part of the orchid down to the older aerial roots, disinfecting the cut site (sprinkling with activated charcoal powder) and drying it, and then performing the planting.

Fertilization: this orchid is fertilized year-round every 2-3 weeks at half the concentration indicated on the package. Too concentrated fertilizer negatively affects the roots; they turn black, become slimy and die.

Propagation: under household conditions this orchid species is propagated only by cuttings.

Features: under optimal growing conditions it grows by 1.5 meters in 6 months. The plant can be pruned at any distance. At the cut sites the orchid branches and becomes bushier. The cut tops can be used for rooting and independent planting.