Sharing is caring !
Although one of the most challenging type of orchids to bring into flush , vanilla extract orchidscontinue to be a popular plant . They are highly valued for their cosmetic and commercial-grade uses .
There are one C of vanilla orchid species , but the most common of all is theVanilla planifoliaor commonly known as theflat - leaved vanilla extract orchid .
In this article , we ’ll discuss everything you need to know about vanilla orchids in world-wide , but we ’ll focus principally on flat - leaved orchidaceous plant . Read on below to learn about this famed orchid ’s facts , types , and mature tip .
Vanilla Orchid Facts
Vanilla(Vanillaspp . ) is a genus of monopodial epiphytic orchids that typicallyflowers in springto summer . They are known for their vine - like structure that allows them to crawl and impound to tree trunk and ramification . Plants in the genus are mostly aboriginal to Central America ( 1 ) .
Aside from their ornamental and commercial-grade importance , these orchid , most notably theflat - leaved vanilla extract plants , are likewise highly value for their fragrant and fleshy seedpods used as flavourer . Today , vanilla is the third of the most expensive spices in the world , next to orange yellow and cardamon ( 1 ) .
Name Origin
The name vanilla originated from the Spanish wordvainilla , which means “ niggling pods ” and refers to the plant ’s fruits ( 1 ) . The species nameplanifoliainVanilla planifoliaorchids refers to the striking flat shape of the foliage . Thus , these orchid are more commonly known asflat - leaved vanillaor theBourbon type vanilla .
Plant Description
Flat - leaved vanilla extract orchidaceous plant are repeated climbing plant with succulent stems that arc to tree diagram trunks and other forms of documentation in a zigzag mode . They typically reach a height of 10 to 15 meters ( 1 ) .
These orchids also feature slight and long airy root . Their leaves are great , thick , bright greenish , flat , and smooth . Each leafage measures about 10 to 23 cm in distance and 4 to 6 cm in width . The vanilla orchid flowers usually flower two to three year after implant . They are waxy , large , fragrant , and pale yellow . Each flower raise about 5 cm in diameter ( 1 ) .
Vanilla fruit , commonly referred to asvanilla beans , are pendant pods that value 10 to 20 cm long . They appear greenish - yellowness when fully matured and ripen step by step , which usually take about 8 to 9 months after the onset of flowering ( 1 ) .
Uses
Vanilla planifolia , otherwise known asflat - leaved vanilla extract orchidorBourbon type vanilla , is the most popular and widely used vanilla species because of its extracts . Homemade vanilla excerption , which is obtained from the flora ’s seed seedpod , is a valuable flavoring . It is commonly used in adust goods , afters , drinkable , chocolates , dishes , and more .
How to grow vanilla orchid
Unlike other orchid character , vanilla orchids are more recognized for their extracts and not really ashouseplantsor garden plants . Still , that does not mean that you’re able to not grow vanilla extract noodle plants at rest home or in your garden !
In fact , orchid collectors and serious enthusiasts also let in these plants in their collection as they also make an attractive sight in any area . Growing vanilla extract orchids is a rewarding and demanding interest .
However , it ’s significant to take down that the vanilla extract edible bean orchid is not well-heeled for beginner to produce . A greenhouse can be highly utile , in particular if you ’re not in a frost - barren clime .
Planting a Vanilla Orchid
These orchids originate well on various soil character ( 1 ) . Choose a potty , sooner a clay pot or container , with practiced drainage and fill it with fecund soil or potting medium . you may use fir tree bark and terrestrial orchid mixture , or a mixture of adequate dowery of organic soil , chop tree fern , and tear up osmunda .
Because of their climbing growth habit , vanilla require a pole or bet for extra backup .
you may easily grease one’s palms a potted vanilla extract plant or cuttings . For cutting , prefer those with at least six nodes . Large cuttings ( 24 to 36 inches ) take two to three eld to blossom product , while small-scale cuttings take three to four years ( 2 ) .
Once vanilla vines have commenced flowering , hand - pollinate the blossom in the belated morn . you could do this by remove pollen from the stamen of one blossom and pose it on the mark of another vanilla flower . cross-pollinate flowers will wither on the shining unripe vine , and then small gullible pod will forge within a week . These pods will then be quick for harvest in 9 to 10 months .
Vanilla Orchid Care
These plants require regular watering . Keep vanilla orchids evenly moist , but permit the potting mix to dry out between watering . When watering , it ’s crucial also to moisten the vine structure since these plant are developing atmosphere beginning .
Like many otherorchid type , vanilla orchids are tad - eff plants that prefer about 50 % to 60 % shade ( 1 ) . They can stomach short period of unmediated brightness level in the morning . Note , however , that excessive light may result in stunted growth . Insufficient light or excessive ghost , on the other hand , may lead to tenuous base , diminished dome , and fewer fragrant flowers and fruits ( 1 ) .
Soil rich in K and atomic number 20 is ideal for vanilla industrial plant . It should be promiscuous , well - draining , and with a pH between 6.0 to 7.0 ( 3 ) .
Vanilla orchidaceous plant call for day temperatures between 24 degrees C to 30 grade C ( 1 ) . The ideal nighttime temperature is around 10 degrees C.
Vanilla plants require at least 80 % humidity level . Mist your plant on a regular basis and hold good line circulation to forbid root rot , a common vanilla disease .
Fertilize vanilla orchid industrial plant every two week using a stretch , balanced orchid fertilizer . When the plants are in combat-ready growth , feast them using the “ hebdomadal , weakly ” approach .
This method acting means applying a dilute or stern - strength fertilizer each time you water rather than feeding a full dose once a month . Avoid using fertilizer to a wry vanilla extract plant since this can have damages to the roots and leaves .
Common Pests and Diseases
Vanilla orchids are generally detached from major pest and disease . However , they are susceptible toroot rot . Root bunk can be a result ofoverwateringor a fungus in the soil . vulgar symptoms of this flora disease include dull and yellowing leaves , wilting , and mushy , pitch-dark roots .
Other common fungal disease of vanilla plants includeanthracnose , mordant rot , rust fungus , androot and stem rot(3).Common pests includeGiant African snail , vanilla extract hemipterous insect , vanilla vine weevil , beetle , white grubs , andAchatina .
Other Types of Vanilla Orchids
West Indian Vanilla (Vanilla pompona)
by fromV. planifolia , V. pompona , or commonly known asWest Indian vanilla , is another mintage of vanilla extract used for its fruits ( 4 ) and a lower-ranking source of vanilla flavorer . It is native to southerly Mexico and South Tropical America ( 5 ) . The West Indian vanilla orchidaceous plant feature long thin halt that measuring about 2 cm in diam and over 5 m in length . The long leaves , which measure out 10 to 30 cm , are thick , dark green , and glossy .
The inflorescence of this orchid species forms that the base of a leaf . Each florescence typically has six to eight white , yellow , or pale green flowers that are mildly fragrant . They open up in chronological sequence , with each salad days last for only a day .
The fruits or vanilla extract beans ofV .pomponaare unripened and unremarkably 10 to 15 cm long , but can get up to 30 centimeter .
Tahitian Vanilla (Vanilla tahitensis)
Tahitian vanilla(V. tahitensis)is a hybrid betweenV. planifoliaandV. odoratathat was first introduced in Tahiti , hence the name . It get shorter and all-inclusive semen pods than those of a more far-flung species , the flat - will vanilla ( V. planifolia ) .
away from the divergence in visual aspect , this orchid mintage also have a discrete gustatory modality and sweetness ( 6 ) . It is commonly used in sweet , fresh fruit , adust goods , beverages , sauce , and more .
Like other vanilla orchid species , Tahitian vanilla orchid have a vine - like emergence riding habit . The leaves are narrowly elliptical , and the flowers are yellowish - super C .
Leafless Vanilla (Vanilla aphylla)
Leafless vanillaorV. aphyllais a vanilla extract orchid species aboriginal to Southeast Asia . It is cultivate in Laos , Malaysia , Thailand , the Philippines , Myanmar , and Singapore . The plants produce clusters of three to four flowers on a scant inflorescence . They bloom in late leaping , summertime , and fall .
This special type of vanilla extract is named as such because of its unusual leafless vine - like wooden-headed stems . These stems have internodes space at about 4 inches apart . These internodes produce short and heavyset case and roots .
Chamisso’s Vanilla (Vanilla chamissonis)
Chamisso ’s vanillaorV. chamissonisis a vanilla extract coinage native to South America . It is named in honor of German poet and botanist Adelbert von Chamisso . The plant boast fleshy , pallid gullible leaves and bloom in late spring to other summer .
Mexican Vanilla (Vanilla mexicana)
Vanilla mexicana , or commonly known asMexican vanilla extract , is a character of vanilla orchid that can be found growing in Mexico , Central America , West Indies , northerly South America , and southeast Florida . The works produces vine that acquire up to 15 in distance .
extension
Reference List
Close
- Photo by YAYImages / depositphotos
