How to Grow and Care for Vanilla Bean Orchid

Vanilla bean orchid (Vanilla planifolia) is often known simply as "vanilla" because the seed pods from this plant are the source of natural vanilla flavoring used widely in desserts and beverages. The orchid is grown as a houseplant by serious enthusiasts and experienced orchid growers who can handle its considerable demands. Because vanilla bean orchids need carefully controlled conditions and a frost-free climate, a greenhouse is ideal.

It is challenging to coax this plant into flowering. To produce the seeds from which vanilla is harvested, hand pollination is required. However, even if the orchid does not bloom or produce seed pods, the glossy green vine is an attractive plant on its own.

Vanilla Bean Orchid Care

The vanilla orchid grows best in bright, filtered shade and high humidity. It's best to recreate its native jungle habitat using a combination of temperature controls, pampering mists, and irrigation.

To keep your vine at a manageable length, train it laterally instead of vertically allows you to grow more vine in a smaller space. A simple lumber structure is stronger than a lattice (keep in mind that either structure will be obscured by the vine as it matures).

Light

Vanilla bean orchid grows best in shade, but these plants will tolerate short periods of morning sun with bright indirect light. Avoid south- and west-facing windows, as the direct afternoon sun in these locations is too harsh for this species.

Soil

Start your vanilla orchid in a mixture of equal parts orchid bark and potting mix. This is slightly more dense and heavy than most orchid growing media. Your cutting or small starter plant will need this combination of excellent drainage and nutrients to nourish the plant while the vine develops. After the vine grows its epiphytic roots, it will no longer depend on the roots in the potting mix.

Water

Watering a vanilla bean orchid means keeping both the growing medium and the wooden trellis structure damp, because the plant is developing "air roots" that draw moisture from the air.

Allow the potting mix to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root diseases, but maintain high humidity in the environment.

Temperature and Humidity

Ideal temperatures for vanilla orchids are between 60 to 70°F at night and 80 to 95°F during the day. These plants are not frost-tolerant, which means those who don't live in a tropical climate must grow them in a greenhouse to achieve desirable results.

Mist your plant regularly and make every effort to keep the humidity level at 80 percent. At the same time, good air circulation is required to prevent fungal rot.

Fertilizer

Fertilize your vanilla orchid every two weeks during the spring and summer with orchid fertilizer. For the amount to use, follow the product label instructions. Light, but consistent fertilization is recommended.

Pruning

Your vanilla bean orchid does not need to be pruned to bloom and produce seed pods. The purpose of pruning is to trim the vine if it becomes too long. Find a spot below a growth node, Using a clean, sharp pair of gardening shears or pruners, snip the vine to your preferred length. Cuttings can be used for propagation.

Propagating Vanilla Bean Orchid

While it is possible to grow vanilla bean orchid from seed, the process is very complicated and unreliable. Consequently, this plant is normally propagated via stem cuttings:

1. Snip a segment of vine that has at least six growth nodes on it. Remove the two lowest leaves on the cutting.
2. Fill a small pot with either moist sphagnum moss or a mixture of equal parts orchid bark, peat moss, and perlite.
3. Bury the plant cutting into the growing medium (covering the lower nodes), then press the medium tightly around the base of the cutting.
4. Insert a plant stake into the pot and secure the cutting to it with ties.
5. Keep the growing medium consistently damp for four to six weeks until new growth appears. Once the cutting begins to vine, train the plant to grow on a larger trellis.

How to Pollinate a Vanilla Bean Orchid

Patience is a requirement for those who wish to harvest vanilla from orchids, as the plants take anywhere from three to five years to mature from cuttings to flower production.Once the flowers appear, they need to be hand-pollinated within 12 hours.

Using a chopstick. remove pollen from the stamen of one flower and place it on the stigma of another flower. Within a day, flowers that have pollinated will wither on the vine rather than fall off.

Small green pods will form within a week, eventually elongating intopods that will be ready to harvest in nine to 10 months.

Harvesting

If pollination is successful, a three-year-old vanilla orchid will produce green bean-like pods from October through March. Good-quality pods should be at least six inches long.

The curing processof the pods is lengthy and labor-intensive and contributes to the premium price of vanilla beans. It is difficult to reproduce in a home setting. Every day for six weeks, the beans are wrapped at night to facilitate moisture condensation on the pods. During the day, the beans are placed on trays in the sun or under a heat lamp indoors. Following this sweating process, the brown and shriveled pods are dried in a dark, dry place for an additional three months.

Potting and Repotting Vanilla Bean Orchid

Your vanilla bean orchid will not need to be repotted once its epiphytic roots grow securely on the medium of your choice (usually lattice or a structure made from wood). However, propagated orchid stems can be potted in a mixture of equal parts orchid bark and potting mix. Choose a pot that allows for drainage and airflow to the roots like one made from terracotta.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Vanilla bean orchids are susceptible to root rot in the high-humidity environment they require. Prevent rot by balancing high humidity with constant air circulation, which is the reason that greenhouses mimicking tropical environments are recommended for this species.

These plants are also susceptible to spider mites and mealybugs. Horticultural oil sprays are the best way to deal with these pests. Treat mealybugs by dabbing them with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol.

Vanilla Bean Orchid Bloom

• Vanilla bean orchids don't bloom until they are at least three years old.
• They bloom in the spring for about three months, typically beginning in March and blooming through late May.
• Each flower opens for one day.
• Prune flowers after they close to encourage more blooms.

Common Problems With Vanilla Bean Orchid

Vanilla bean orchids are notoriously difficult to care for, so it's not uncommon for growers to run into problems with this species. You may experience the following:

Leaves Turning Yellow

Yellowed leaves is a common problem for vanilla bean orchids that are overwatered. This may also be seen with signs like dropping flowers, a wilted stem, or rotten roots. Air circulation and proper drainage are key to prevent root rot from overtaking healthy plants.

Brown or Crispy Roots

If your vanilla bean orchid is underwatered, you may notice similar signs to overwatering but with a different appearance of the plant's roots. Crispy, dry roots that begin to turn brown are an indicator that your plant is drying out. Thoroughly water the plant and increase humidity levels, especially focusing on its roots (keep humidity as close to 80 percent as possible).

Scorched Leaves

Vanilla bean orchids are very sensitive to sunlight, and it's easy for this species to become sunburnt when exposed to direct light. If your plant's leaves become scorched or crispy, it's likely receiving too much light. Move your orchid to a place with dappled shade.

From: thespruce