Vanilla Planifolia or vanilla orchid - a botanical species appreciated both as an exotic plant by collectors and for its aromatic pods which have very high commercial value. Currently, the value of Vanilla pods can exceed the value of silver.
Vanilla is a fast-growing plant, epiphytic or semi-epiphytic, with green or variegated leaves. The vines reach impressive lengths of up to 60 m and have aerial roots that help the plant climb, attaching itself to tree trunks, rocks, or other supports it encounters. As the plant develops, the vines thicken so that the plant can support its own 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 an edible fruit. Currently, there is also a variegated variant in circulation, under the name Vanilla Planifolia 'Variegata'.
Flowering occurs annually, usually from April to July, depending on growth conditions and plant size. It is triggered by drier periods, with rare watering and lower atmospheric humidity. For flowering, the vines need to be several meters long and have a stem diameter of 6-13 mm. A plant is capable of flowering 2-3 years after the rooted cutting stage.
The flowers are strongly fragrant and can reach up to 10 cm in size. The plant forms clusters of 1-15 flowers that open one by one. Each flower has a lifespan of about one day.
Vanilla Planifolia - cluster with open flower and buds
Pollination is done manually - the pollen of one flower can be used to fertilize the same flower (self-fertilisation). Natural pollination does not occur even in nature, 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 the case of successful pollination, the flower will remain on the plant and will begin to transform into a pod. In the case of unsuccessful pollinations, the flowers fall off within 1-3 days.
The fruit appears as a cylindrical capsule (pod) up to 20 cm long and matures in about 8-9 months from pollination. Harvesting is done before full maturation, as this involves the opening of the pods and loss of commercial value. After harvesting, the pods do not have the specific aroma - the aroma develops during the maturation process and reaches its maximum potential 4-5 months after harvesting.
Vanilla Planifolia - immature fruits (pods)
Use of the fruits. The fruits are widely used due to their specific aroma both in the food industry (pastry, confectionery, preparation of some drinks, syrups, etc.) and in cosmetic products (aromatherapy, perfumes, other cosmetics). In traditional medicine, vanilla is used as an aphrodisiac and stimulant, a calming agent for feverish states and spasms, treatment for cavities - however, these possible medical effects require extensive studies.
Vanilla Planifolia - matured fruits, ready for use
Care. Vanilla Planifolia is considered impossible to kill - the only danger is overwatering, in which case it is cut back from the base and replanted, being a plant that roots easily.
Ideal atmospheric humidity is between 50-80%, in airy / well-ventilated growing spaces. Although the plant tolerates lower values, in the long term it will slow its growth and aerial roots will dry out. Exposing the plant to too strong air currents also leads to drying of the aerial roots.
Training the vines is an extremely important operation if fruit (pods) production is desired. It can be done on a trellis, mosstok, or other types of supports, considering the possibility of access for manual pollination.
Fertilization. An orchid fertilizer or a balanced NPK fertilizer should be used, in a weak dilution - approx. 30% of the values indicated on the packaging. To increase nutrient absorption, foliar fertilizations are recommended, especially for large specimens - balanced foliar fertilizers should 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, as these encourage vegetative growth at the expense of flowering.
Substrate. Vanilla Planifolia prefers well-drained substrate, with small granulation and a high organic matter content. In the greenhouse, we use our own substrate recipe, composed of coconut peat, fermented peat, perlite, and small granulated bark. Growing in sphagnum moss is suitable for propagation and young specimens.
Pests. Common pests can affect the plant's development, but they do not pose a threat as long as they are kept under control through properly applied phytosanitary treatments. The most serious problem is root rot in the substrate, but it can be avoided through controlled watering and a suitable substrate.
Vanilla can be ordered here: Vanilla Planifolia
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