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Vanilla planifolia

Discussion in 'Orchid Culture' started by Jon, Nov 25, 2009.

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  1. Nov 25, 2009 #1
    Jon

    Jon Mmmm... bulbophyllum...

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    So does anyone here think I can (should?) grow a vanilla planifolia in a 10 gallon aquarium? How long until I can expect flowers?

    j/k

    Um... so I have this kinda big vanilla planifolia plant. It has probably 3 or 4 leads that are between 6 & 10 feet each. My GH has an internal frame made of cedar, and a few years ago, I attached a small cutting of the plant to the frame. It hasn't grown very much at all, while the main plant grew from a similar sized piece. I didn't have possession of this plant for the past 6 months, but I have it now. My question is this: What do I do with the damned thing? It's not on a mount, the roots are in a 10g plastic pot, and I don't really want to build a trellis for it. Can I just let the vines meander all over the GH, hanging from random wires and chains?
     
  2. Nov 25, 2009 #2
    Alexis

    Alexis New Member

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    Why not? I think that would look cool. Mine is planted in the ground inside the shadehouse, and is climbing a support post made of PT wood. So obviously the chemicals aren't bothering it. I'm going to let it go where it wants, and if/when it gets obnoxious, I'll whack it back.
     
  3. Nov 25, 2009 #3
    lothianjavert

    lothianjavert New Member

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    Go for it. Mine is in a small pot (well... considering the size of the vanilla, the 4" pot has only the tiniest portion of the roots...) and had a cute little coir pole. It got plunked in the GH against the back wall. Since then, it has climbed up the pole (it's now as thick as the coir pole) up the back wall of the greenhouse, developed side leads, and has made it to the top of the roof. It's now heading along the ridge.

    I haven't tied it up with anything for a long, long time. It has managed to find attachment points quite well on its own.
     
  4. Nov 25, 2009 #4
    Jon

    Jon Mmmm... bulbophyllum...

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    Thanks ladies. I think I'll do what you did, lothianjavert, and stick it in the back corner. If it grows, it grows. If not, no biggie. I need to cut out part of a bench anyway so my big leaved bulbos can grow well. Perfect placement!
     
  5. Nov 25, 2009 #5
    Brant

    Brant dazed

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    good question. 6 and 10 feet, thats some big sections !!
    for those who have not tried it in So Cal , they do grow outdoors here, albeit SLOW, but they grow. mine went from a small cutting 3 years ago to 3+ feet now. root tips get zapped during santa ana's but the leaves are ok.