Vanilla planifolia

Also known as: Commercial Vanilla or The Flat Plane Leafed Vanilla in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Amazonas - Colombia Amazonas - Peru Baja California Sur - Mexico Belize Departamento de Caldas - Colombia Departamento de Norte de Santander - Colombia Departamento del Huila - Colombia Guatemala Honduras Loreto - Peru Nicaragua Provincia de Esmeraldas - Ecuador

General Information

Commercial Vanilla is a large monopodial warm to hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Colombia, Peru, Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Ecuador.

Plant Description

Monopodial. Each new growth has numerous thick leaves that grow to 8-23cm long

Flowers

Numerous fragrant blossoms appear during Autumn

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant. The fragrance can be described as delightful

Blooming Season

• Autumn

Substrate(s)

• Sand

Care Notes

These orchids have a fine root system that can quickly die back if left dry for too long, but also does not like to be kept wet, so water regularly but ensure that the mix is dry before watering. 

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

These orchids grow in cool climates, at low altitudes, in cool plains, forests or coastal scrub.

They are forgiving of humidity variances as long as temperatures are kept on the cool side. They can do well outdoors in the garden in cool and temperate areas, though it is important that they are protected from warm dry winds. They can enjoy morning sun especially in winter but will need protection from the hot sun in the afternoon and during summer. With some acclimatisation they may be able to receive more sun.

 

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 71mm to 180mm per day, heaviest in August and lightest in March. Humidity ranges from 82% to 94%, highest in May and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 20C to 29C, highest in June (23C to 29C) and lowest in January (20C to 28C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a wet-dry cycle between waterings, they should be watered frequently but only when the moisture is approaching dryness, where the pot feels light and/or the media looks dry. Keep an eye on mounted orchids in warm weather as they may dehydrate quickly.

Fertiliser

These orchids do not need to be regularly fertilised and roots may be sensitive to salt build-up, dying back and therefore impairing the plants growth or even killing it.

If fertilising, use half to quarter of the recommended amount of fertiliser. If they receive fertiliser as part of a collection, be sure to flush out the pots regularly with fresh water and monitor the roots by checking how much resistance is given by the plant when nudged in its pot or mount. If the plant becomes wobbly or loose, repot in fresh mix or rinse the media/mount thoroughly and do not fertilise for at least 3 months.

Use balanced fertiliser year round. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. This plant is sensitive so apply fertiliser sparingly at one quarter recommended strength or less. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser year round.

Potting

These plants are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow. 

Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.

Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during hot weather,

Repotting is best done annually.