Vanilla

All species of Vanilla are coarse, succulent, hemiepiphytic lianas difficult to manage in cultivation. Hemiepiphytic refers to the life cycle wherein seedlings begin as terrestrials and become epiphytes as they grow up a host tree, severing their organic connection with the terrestrial stage over time. As a result of this life strategy, Vanillas have limited need for a pot with substrate after initial rooting and stem growth. Some growers train Vanillas around a cylindric wire support while others allow them to grow up the inside of a greenhouse where they can grow along the gable. Regardless of the method chosen, most Vanillas will only flower on horizontal or pendent branches. Plants of Vanilla should be started in a pot using a medium to coarse potting medium. Good success is obtained with equal parts of medium grade fir bark and medium grade hardwood charcoal, although the plants do not appear particualr about their growing medium. Ideally support structures should be organic material that absorbs water and can provide moisture to the growing stems that root at the nodes. Tangential slices of a coarse-barked tree, such as those used for potted Philodendron (Araceae), work well. Give all Vanillas medium light levels, intermediate to warm temperatures, and regular watering. Once the plants have shifted to a wholly epiphytic mode, watering should be daily.