Vanilla Orchid (扁叶香草兰)
A herbaceous climber, it climbs by means of its roots and can grow up to 10 to 15m in height.
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Vanilla planifola
Synomyms:
Vanilla sylvestris, Vanilla tiarei, Mokara fragrans, Vanilla duckei, Vanilla sativa, Vanilla viridiflora, Notylia planifolia, Vanilla planifolia var. gigantea, Vanilla hirsuta
COMMON NAME
Vanilla, Bourbon Vanilla, Common Vanilla, Vanilla Orchid, Vanilla Vine, Commercial Vanilla, 扁叶香草兰
CLASSIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS
Plant Division Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon) Plant Growth Form Climber, Vine & Liana, Epiphyte Lifespan (in Singapore) Perennial Mode of Nutrition Autotrophic PLANT CARE AND PROPAGATION
Light Preference Part shade to full shade
Vanilla bean orchid prefers bright shade and will tolerate short periods of morning sun.
Water Preference Moderate Water.
Allow the potting mix to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root diseases, but maintain high humidity in the environment (80%). Have constant air circulation to prevent root rot and fungal rot.
Soil Preference / Fertilisation It is best grown in light soils with good drainage and enriched with a layer of humus.
Light but regular fertilisation is recommended.
Maintenance Requirements High Propagation Method Seed, Stem Cutting Think of the native jungle habitat of the vanilla orchid. It is best grown in a warm and humid environment, under partial sun in light soil with good drainage. A drier period of 2 months encourages flowering. Heavy rainfall discourages fruit development.
Propagation Tips.
- Snip a vine segment with at least six growing nodes. Remove the two lowest leaves.
- Fill a small flower pot with either moist sphagnum moss or a mixture of orchid bark, peat moss, and perlite (1:1:1).
- Bury the plant cutting into the growing medium, with the lower nodes covered and tightly snug in the growing medium.
- Insert a plant stake into the pot and secure the cutting to it.
- Keep the growing medium constantly damp for four to six weeks, until new growth appears.
Taken from:
USES
Edible Fruits
Disclaimer
The information in this website is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes.