Vanilla Planifolia or vanilla orchid - a botanical species appreciated both as an exotic plant by collectors and for its aromatic pods that have a very high commercial value. Currently, the value of vanilla pods exceeds the value of silver.

Vanilla is a fast growing plant, epiphytic or semi-epiphytic, with green or variegated leaves. Lianas reach impressive lengths of up to 60 m and have aerial roots that help the plant to climb, fixing itself on tree trunks, rocks or other supports it encounters. As the plant develops, the vines will thicken, so that the plant can support its weight.

Vanilla can be ordered here: Vanilla Planifolia

Vanilla Planifolia is a fascinating plant - the only orchid species (out of approx. 35,000 known species) that produces edible fruit. Currently, there is also a variegated version in circulation, under the name Vanilla Planifolia 'Variegata'.

Flowering takes place annually, usually between April and July, depending on the growing conditions and the size of the plant. It is triggered by drier periods, with rare rains and lower atmospheric humidity. For flowering, it is necessary that the lianas have a length of several meters and a stem with a diameter of 6-13 mm. A plant is able to bloom in 2-3 years from the rooted cutting stage.

The flowers are strongly scented and have a size of up to 10 cm. The plant forms clusters of 1-15 flowers that open in a row. Each flower has a lifespan of about one day.

Pollination will be done manually - the pollen of a flower can be used to fertilize the same flower (self-fertilisation). Natural pollination does not occur in nature either, except in very rare cases (approx. 1%). To be effective, pollination should be done in the first part of the day, between 6:00 and 12:00. It can be done with a toothpick or other similar tools. In case of successful pollination, the flower will remain on the plant and will start to turn into a pod. In case of unsuccessful pollination, the flowers fall in 1-3 days.

The fruit is presented in the form of a cylindrical capsule (pod) with a length of up to 20 cm and ripens in approximately 8-9 months after pollination. Harvesting is done before full ripening, because this involves the opening of the pods and the loss of commercial value. After harvesting, the pods do not have a specific aroma - the aroma appears during the ripening process and reaches its maximum potential 4-5 months after harvesting.

Use of fruits . The fruits are widely used due to their specific aroma both in the food industry (pastry, confectionery, preparation of drinks, syrups, etc.) and in cosmetic products (aromatherapy, perfumes, other cosmetics). In traditional medicine, vanilla is used as an aphrodisiac and stimulant, soothing for feverish conditions and spasms, treatment for caries - but these possible medical effects require extensive studies.

Care . Vanilla Planifolia is considered impossible to kill - the only danger is overwatering, in which case it is cut from the base and replanted, being a plant that takes root easily.

The ideal atmospheric humidity is in the range of 50-80%, in airy / well-ventilated culture spaces. Although the plant tolerates lower values, in the long term it will slow down its growth and the aerial roots will dry out. Exposing the plant to too strong air currents also leads to the drying of the aerial roots.

Directing the lianas is an extremely important operation, if the production of fruits (pods) is followed. It can be done on trellis, mosstok or other types of supports, following the possibility of access for manual pollination.

Fertilization . A fertilizer for orchids or a balanced NPK fertilizer will be used, in weak dilution - approx. 30% compared to the values ​​indicated on the packaging. To increase the absorption of nutrients, foliar fertilization is recommended, especially in the case of large specimens - balanced foliar fertilizers will be used, in weak dilution, to reduce the risk of burns. During the flowering period, the application of fertilizers with high nitrogen (N) values ​​will be avoided, because they encourage vegetative growth to the detriment of flowering.

The substrate . Vanilla Planifolia prefers a well-drained substrate, with small grain and a high content of organic matter. In the greenhouse, we use our own substrate recipe, composed of coconut peat, fermented peat, perlite and small-grained bark. Growing in sphagnum moss is suitable for propagation and for young specimens.

Harmful . Common pests can affect the development of the plant, but they do not pose a threat as long as they are kept under control by correctly applied phytosanitary treatments. The most serious problem is represented by the rotting of the roots in the substrate, but it can be avoided by controlled watering and a suitable substrate.

Vanilla can be ordered here: Vanilla Planifolia

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