The vanilla bean orchid, or Vanilla planifolia, is a native of Mexico and is also cultivated in other subtropical areas of North and Central America.
A perennial vine plant, the vanilla plant. The vanilla bean plant is a member of the orchid family “Orchidaceae,” and like most orchids, it does best in hot, humid climates. It is also an epiphytic plant, as it mostly grows on trees in its natural environment and obtains its nutrition from the atmosphere. Epiphytic vanilla orchids typically develop long vines laced with a number of long, lance-shaped, greenish leaves as they grow upward in a zigzag pattern.
The vanilla bean plant is regarded as requiring significant upkeep. It demands considerable care and must be grown in a controlled setting, so it is not a good plant for novice gardeners.
Light
However, these plants may endure brief periods of morning sun with indirect light. Vanilla bean orchids thrive in shade. Avoid windows with a south or west exposure; the afternoon sun is too intense for this species there.
Soil
Planting mix and orchid bark should be used in exactly the same amounts for your vanilla orchid. In comparison to other orchid growth material, this is slightly heavier and more dense. This combination of great drainage and nutrients will be necessary for your cutting or small starter plant to feed the plant while the vine grows. The vine won’t need the roots in the potting mix once it develops epiphytic roots.
Water
The growth media and the wooden trellis structure must both be kept damp while watering a vanilla bean orchid since the plant is forming “air roots” that pull moisture from the atmosphere. To avoid root illnesses, let the potting soil gradually dry out in between waterings, but keep the humidity level high.
Temperature and Humidity
60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit at night and 80 to 95 degrees during the day are the ideal temps for vanilla orchids. Because of this, folks who don’t reside in a tropical climate must grow these plants in a greenhouse in order to get the desired results. These plants are not frost-tolerant.
Consistently mist your plant, and try to maintain an 80% humidity level. In order to prevent fungal rot, sufficient air movement is also necessary.
Fertilizer
Throughout the spring and summer, fertilize your vanilla orchid every two weeks using orchid fertilizer. Follow the directions on the product packaging for how much to use. It is advised to fertilizer lightly yet consistently.
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