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Your Vanilla Orchid Source
History: Not content to only be a flavoring for drinks and foods, but from the 16th-19th centuries vanilla was also considered to be an aphrodisiac which possessed therapeutic properties. These properties included the aid of digestion, headache prevention, and even the strength to ward off poisons and bites. The Aztecs referred these brown beans as the "tlilxochitl"(tea-so-shill), the Aztec word for "Black Flower", and vanilla was also used as a tax payment by the Totonac Indians, who produced these orchids, to the emperor of Montezuma. The vanilla orchid is not only grown for the purpose of using it as a flavoring, it is also a peculiar looking plant. The fleshy green leaves which grow in a zig zag pattern clinging to the bark by aerial roots are formed by each leaf node. This orchid has the potential to grow up to 30 feet tall, as a mature plant which produces the flower and seed pods. These very seed pods are often dehydrated and used for the vanilla flavoring in many food products. The blooms are of a yellowish-green color with a yellowish-orange labellum resembling the Cattleya flower. As the vanilla is vining, a stake or trellis should always be used for extra support. Important considerations to look at when growing vanilla orchids are: Light: Akin to other orchids, the vanilla orchid generally prefers a partially shaded location. An east or west window location it suitable if the plant is shaded from the intense mid-day sun. Temperature: This orchid is served well by warmer temperatures. During the daytime, a temperature of 80-85° works best. During the night, a temperature of 60-65° is preferred. Water: Being a tropical plant, the vanilla orchid is used to a bit of moisture. If the soil is too wet, the roots may rot, if they are kept too dry, then they can shrivel or even burn especially in the hot weather. A delicate balance must be found. Humidity should always be kept high which can be easily obtained by using a humidifier, a humidity tray or a tray of pebbles and water kept under the pot. Fertilizers: These plants may require additional food as they grow vigorsly. A balanced fertilizer (20:20:20) is generally recommended with fewer feedings during the winter. A bloom booster is unnecessary since vanillas orchids don't produce flowers until they reach maturity. Resources
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