Growing vanilla... help!!

[dave b]

My plant started as a cutting about 18 inches long. It had a few old roots that i stuck in the pot with terrestrial mix. The cutting did nothing for a couple months. Then, a new growth formed a couple inches above the mix line. This new growth took off and eventually formed a 7-8 foot vine. 6 months seems like a while. Id like to see whats going on in the pot. Typically, new roots will form and grow well in the mix. Provided it does not sit wet all the time. Id check it out and see if your getting root growth, or if everything has become mush.

Personally i would not put a 6 inch cutting in a 12 inch pot. You could go way smaller (3-4 inch) until it gets going. A pot that big could sit wet for too long depending on your conditions.

The aerial roots will only do well, if in a humid enough environment. I misted mine regularly and they did fair. Growing outside in Ohio during the summer, South facing in the winter. Semi shade at mid day summer, with bright light and some full sun.

I got rid of mine last month at our societies auction. I dont have room for 8 foot plants inside once winter hits.

You are aware that it requires a 12+ foot (ive even read 15+ foot) plant which equates to a couple years to reach blooming stage.

[Vanilla]

Originally Posted by dave b

You are aware that it requires a 12+ foot (ive even read 15+ foot) plant which equates to a couple years to reach blooming stage.

Thanks for all the info!

I do know that it gets that big, I was prepared for that.

I think that I might put it in a smaller pot.

I honestly have no idea why I put it in such a big pot, maybe I really thought it was going to take off.

[JennS]

I started mine in a 6" terra cotta pot with the african violet mix. I got it back in May as a 6" or so cutting. My mix stays pretty wet because it is grown outdoors, but I have checked it several times and it is not rotting. It has not grown much, but sprouted a new root near the base of the plant (the cut part) which has since buried itself into the soil. I think I will check it tonight to make sure it isn't rotting with all the rain lately.

I would recommend misting it every morning, and moving it to a smaller pot. The mix might be staying to wet with all the extra room. I think once it takes off you can move it to a giant pot but I would wait until you get some real growth. Good luck!