Despite the capricious nature, orchids are in demand among flower growers. Indeed, with proper care, these plants retain their decorative effect for a long time. And their beauty cannot be overlooked. There are many varieties of culture, but only one of them bears edible fruits. This is the vanilla orchid. It is this plant that gives us that fragrant spice that we add to pastries.
Description
Vanilla Orchid is an epiphytic vine growing from trees in tropical forests. In its natural environment, this attractive plant is found in Central America. But the tropical beauty is cultivated all over the world. And all thanks to one feature: Vanilla flat-leaved orchids produce fruits with a strong and pleasant aroma. Therefore, they are used in the food industry and perfumery. But the plant is also valued for its decorative effect and special appearance.
In its natural environment, the liana reaches up to 30 meters in length, although at home its dimensionsmuch more modest. Its large oval leaves are dark green. But the main attraction of the plant is given by delicate buds. Depending on the variety, they are painted in green, yellow or snow-white tones.
Each flower lasts no more than a day. But in place of the fallen bud, a new one immediately appears. Therefore, flowering continues for several weeks. The buds emit a pleasant characteristic aroma that spreads throughout the apartment. And although at home such an orchid does not bear fruit, its decorative effect more than compensates for this disadvantage.
Vanilla Orchid Growing
Like other representatives of the species, this orchid is a rather capricious plant. And in order to grow this vine, it will take a lot of effort and create conditions for the culture that are close to the natural environment. And for this you need to maintain a comfortable temperature and humidity in the room and perform the following agricultural activities:
- regular watering;
- periodic feeding;
- scheduled transplant;
- pruning and crown shaping.
In addition, it is necessary to provide the vine with a good and strong support. The ideal choice would be a hollow tube wrapped in coconut fiber. But you can also use standard designs for climbing plants or even grow a vine in a pot as an ampelous culture.
Temperature
Vanilla Orchid, the photo of flowers of which is given in the material, refers to tropical plants. And she prefers warm, andeven hot temperatures. The optimal range for culture is +25…+30 °C. Moreover, it is desirable to maintain such conditions regardless of the season. The minimum allowable temperature in winter is +18…+20 °C.
Lighting
Vanilla Orchid is a photophilous plant, but direct sunlight is fatal for it. It is desirable to place a pot with a tropical liana near the east or west window. If you plan to grow the crop on the south side of the room, then be sure to arrange shading in the midday hours. Otherwise, the delicate foliage will get burned.
If the only window sill where you can grow a crop is located in the north, then you cannot do without additional lighting with a phytolamp. After all, here the plant does not have enough light for normal growth and development. And the creeper will quickly wither and wither.
Irrigation
Vanilla orchid is very moisture-loving. Water the flower as soon as the top layer of soil 1 cm deep dries. In winter, reduce moisture, especially if you grow a vine in a cool room. For watering Vanilla orchids, use filtered settled water. Its temperature should reach +30…+35 °C. If you pour cold water on a creeper, it will rot and even die.
Humidity
Vanilla Orchid prefers air humidity in the range of 80-90%. To maintain this indicator at a level, install a special humidifier near the flower. If this is not possible, then spray the foliage of the vine 2-3 times a day with warm settled water. In winter, be sure to cover the batteries with damptowels.
Give your tropical beauty a warm shower once a week. But make sure that moisture does not get on the substrate during the procedure. To do this, wrap the pot with plastic wrap.
It is also useful to place the pot on trays of wet moss or pebbles. But keep in mind that water should not touch the drain hole. After all, orchid roots breathe through it.
Feeding
Vanilla Orchid needs regular feeding. Fertilize the flower once every two weeks all year round. For top dressing, use special fertilizers intended for orchids. But before applying the composition, be sure to moisten the soil. Also, use only half the dose of the one indicated on the package. You can feed a tropical beauty both basal and foliar.
Transfer
With proper care, the Vanilla orchid grows quickly and becomes cramped in an old pot. In addition, the vine draws all the nutrients from the soil. And in depleted soil, even regular top dressing does not save the plant. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out a periodic transplant when the roots of the vine will braid the entire substrate. You can understand that it is time for the plant to change the pot by the processes sticking out of the drainage hole. As a rule, this happens once every 2-3 years.
Regular substrate intended for orchids, Vanilla will not work. To make soil, mix equal parts conifer bark, fern roots, peat and charcoal.
For landingvanilla orchids choose glass or plastic pots. Ceramic ones are also suitable, but only if they have holes around the entire perimeter. Otherwise, the plant will suffocate. The size of the pot should exceed the volume of the roots of the vine by no more than 2–3 cm.
Start transplanting in the spring, then the vine will more easily endure the stress of the event. During the procedure, carefully remove the vine from the old pot along with the earthy clod and transplant it into a new container using the transshipment method. Try not to damage the roots of the plant, and if the shoot is accidentally broken, then be sure to sprinkle the place with crushed charcoal. Otherwise the roots will rot.
After transplanting, put the pot in a shady place and do not water the plant for 2-3 days. When the vine recovers, return it to its permanent place and resume normal care.
Cutting
Vanilla Orchid tolerates pruning. And its crown can be formed at your discretion. But it is desirable to carry out the procedure in the spring. So the vine will quickly endure the stress of the event. In addition, it stimulates the growth of side shoots. As a result, the crown is more lush and voluminous.
Cut the shoots to any length, but use only sharp and disinfected scissors for this. Be sure to sprinkle the cuts with charcoal. Do not rush to throw away the pruned shoots, because from them you will get cuttings that can be used for propagation. See the next chapter for how to do this.
Reproduction
For rooting, choose cuttings on whichthere are at least three nodes with air roots. Root them in a container filled with wet sand. But before that, be sure to hold the shoots in any growth stimulator. Suitable "Heteroauxin" or "Epin". After planting, cover the container with a plastic cap to create a greenhouse environment for the plants.
In order for the cuttings to take root, they need light and warmth. Therefore, keep the greenhouse on a warm east or west windowsill. But cover young vines from midday rays. And also do not forget to ventilate the greenhouse daily and regularly spray the soil with warm water from a spray bottle. Try to keep the sand slightly damp but not wet.
When the cuttings take root and begin to give new shoots, gradually remove the shelters. Transplant mature specimens into individual pots as soon as 2-3 new leaves appear on them.
Attractive liana will decorate your collection of houseplants. But for this, you will need to strictly adhere to the recommendations for care, and the Vanilla orchid will surely thank you with its fast growth and numerous fragrant buds.
