Not everyone knows that the spice familiar to everyone - fragrant vanilla - is actually the fruit of the orchid of the same name. Despite the large number of the genus Vanilla, only a few of its species are capable of producing it. So to create the famous spice, unripe boxes of flat-leaved vanilla are usually used.
In nature, this amazing orchid grows in the humid forests of Central America, but today it can also be found on other continents. The leaders in vanilla production are Madagascar and Indonesia. Interest in her is not only due to the spicy seeds, but also because of the beautiful flowers. If you grow such vanilla at home, it will not bear fruit. Its luxurious flowers are yellowish-white or greenish in color, as well as a delicate and pleasant aroma. Each of them lasts only a day, but thanks to their quantity, the vanilla orchid is able to delight the owner with them for several weeks.
Vanilla differs significantly from other orchids. It is a long liana capable of reaching 30 meters in length. But, like its relatives, it has aerial roots and dense dark green leaves. At home, vanilla will not reach such a gigantic size, but it will still add from half a meter to a meter in length per year. Orchid growth can be controlled with pruning. This treatment helps to rejuvenate the plant and stimulate its branching, thereby improving the appearance of the flower.
Growing a vanilla orchid requires good support: in nature, tree branches serve as it. At home, they can be replaced by a tube wrapped in coconut fiber, a net or a rack for curling specimens. You can try to grow such an orchid as an ampelous plant. In this case, it is planted in a hanging basket. With good care, a small seedling will turn into a flowering plant in three years.
Vanilla orchid care at home
Vanilla orchid care at home challenging but doable. For an unusual flower, you will need to reproduce natural conditions as closely as possible, providing sufficient warmth and humidity.
Location and lighting
The vanilla orchid prefers a fairly bright, diffused light throughout the day. Direct rays are dangerous for her. When they get on the leaves, they can leave light spots on them, therefore, on a sunny afternoon, the flower should be slightly shaded. Vanilla can grow in partial shade, but such a place will have a bad effect on the abundance of flowering. In a too shady corner, flowers may not appear at all. In winter, additional lighting can be used.
Optimum temperature
It is quite hot in the native forests of the vanilla orchid. An ideal room for her will be a room in which it will be about +30 degrees during the day, and at least +20 at night. The lower threshold is +18. An adult plant is able to withstand small temperature fluctuations. The selected conditions will need to be maintained throughout the year: the dormant period of vanilla does not require a cold snap.
Humidity level
The humidity in the room should also be tropical.The orchid will need at least 80 or 90%. For irrigation and spraying, soft and warm (30-40 degrees) water is used, in which there is practically no calcium. Both procedures must be performed regularly. The hotter it is in the room, the more often you will have to water the flower. It is impossible to overdry the soil in a pot with an orchid. From time to time, you can bathe the plant under warm running water. But during such water procedures, you should be careful and try not to damage its leaves. It is recommended to carry out such bathing about once a week. For additional humidification of the air, you can also use a damp pan.
A room with orchids will need moderate ventilation. It should be remembered that an excess of moisture, like its lack, can lead to flower diseases. If its roots or stems have begun to rot, it is necessary to replace the substrate and adjust the watering. Drying leaves will indicate a lack of water.
Soil selection
The soil for a vanilla orchid must have a specific composition. The soil for it includes calcined garden soil, bark of conifers, sphagnum moss, fern roots and some charcoal or peat. The resulting soil should be good for both water and air.
Throughout the year, nutrient dressings are applied to the soil. For this, special fertilizers for orchids are suitable. They are used about 2 times a month, significantly reducing the concentration indicated on the pack. Foliar dressing is also acceptable. But excess minerals can cause darkening of the air roots.
Transfer
Vanilla is transplanted every 2-3 years, when its roots no longer fit into the old pot. Too tight a container can slow down the growth and development of the plant. Depleted or unsuitable soil can also be a reason for replanting. It is best to practice moving the flower in the spring. The orchid is carefully removed from the pot so as not to break off the roots. If breakdowns could not be avoided, the sections are powdered with charcoal. This will protect them from the development of rot.
The new container may only be slightly larger than the old one. Only a couple of centimeters should remain between the roots and the pot walls. The main thing is that any pot must have drainage holes. After transplanting, the orchid should be shaded for a short time, gradually returning it to its previous conditions of detention. Watering such a specimen is also worth a little less often.
Vanilla orchid propagation methods
The most convenient way to propagate vanilla is by cuttings. It is best to choose cuttings for this, which have aerial roots. The rooting rate will help to increase the treatment with special stimulants. After planting in wet sandy soil, the vine seedling is covered with a plastic bag. It will need to be periodically removed for ventilation, and also to monitor the level of soil moisture - it should not dry out. When the new orchid grows, the bag is removed.
After the appearance of several new leaves, the seedling is transferred to a transparent pot with a substrate. Even a small orchid will need support.
You can also use the tops of the shoots left after pruning as cuttings. In this case, the sections must also be powdered with charcoal. This will keep the plant healthy.
