Vanilla

General Care for the Vanilla genus

Abbreviated to V. in horticulture, there are currently 115 species in the Vanilla genus accepted by the World Plant Monocot maintained by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Of those 115 species, however, only a few are cultivated for the well known “Vanilla Beans”, the most often grown being Vanilla planifolia, commonly known as flat-leafed Vanilla.

In nature, the short-lived flowers of Vanilla orchids are pollinated by the stunning iridescent blue-green Euglossine bee family, also known as Orchid Bees. In cultivation, each flower must be pollinated by hand, which adds to the cost of this expensive spice.

When working with Vanilla orchids, care must be taken as the sap contains compounds that cause mid to severe contact dermatitis. If contact does occur, wash the area with warm water and soap immediately.

POTTING MEDIA

Vanilla orchids are semi-epiphytic; they anchor themselves into the ground before attaching to trees and zig-zag themselves upwards towards the canopy.

Vanilla orchids will tolerate a wide variety of potting media. The easiest to acquire at local garden centres and hardware stores in New Zealand is all-purpose orchid bark potting mixes with added slow-release fertilisers. However, coconut husk or Ferntree fibre are also suitable potting media choices for Vanilla orchids. Perhaps even more so due to their water retention qualities while also remaining airy.

Due to their climbing habit, the vines should be offered some form of support to cling to, such as a fern tree pole or wooden trellis.

WATER

Keep the soil evenly moist, taking care not to over-water at the same time. This orchid may not like its feet to dry out between waterings, but it doesn’t want to lose its feet to rot either. Misting is also a good idea as a great deal of the root system of this particular orchid is aerial.

FERTILISER

Lightly fertilise your Vanilla every two weeks with orchid fertiliser during the spring and summer. Reduce considerably in Autumn, and eliminate altogether in Winter. Liquid fertiliser is best as it can be misted onto the aerial roots as well as added to your usual watering regime.

 

TEMPERATURE

Vanilla orchids are thermophilic plants found within a narrow band of 20 degrees on either side of the equator in the wild. Thus, temperatures are high, and fluctuations in temperature and daylight hours are minimal throughout the year.

LIGHT 

Bright, filtered light is preferred.