The orchids grow on the beans.In Hawaii, Mexico, Tahiti, and other tropical locations, these plants are cultivated.The reward of fragrant and delicious vanilla beans is worth the time and effort it takes to grow it at home.
Step 1: If you don't live in a tropical climate, build a greenhouse.
The plants need a tropical environment to grow, so you will need sunlight, heat, space, and humidity.You can build the structure yourself or from a greenhouse kit.Add glass panels to cover the structure.If you live in a tropical climate, you may be able to cultivate it outside.If the environment is suitable for a orchid, you should check the temperature and humidity.
Step 2: The temperature should be above 65 F.
There is a daytime temperature between 80 and 85 F.At night, the temperature should be between 65 and 75 F.Vents or fans can be used to lower the temperature in a greenhouse.If you want to increase the temperature in a greenhouse, you can add heat lamps or a heater.
Step 3: The humidity needs to be maintained at an 85% level.
The orchids need high humidity.A hygrometer can be used to measure the humidity in a greenhouse.Add a humidifier to the area if it is below 85%.If the humidity is over 85%, use a dehumidifier.
Step 4: There is a 15–20 in 38–51 cm.
You may need to order them online if you don't have a local florist or garden center that sells them.For the best results, choose a cutting that is at least 15 inches long.If some of them don't make it, it's a good idea to purchase more than one.Cuttings are usually taken from plants that are at least 20 feet in length.If you don't know which end of the cutting is the top or bottom, you should ask the supplier.The direction in which the plant has been growing is the top.The leaves will point in a different direction.
Step 5: A mix of fir bark and moss is placed in a small pot.
Good drainage is ensured by the use of Fir bark and peat moss.You could use a medium for orchids.Orchids do better in small pots than in large ones, so keep that in mind.Home improvement stores and garden shops have all of these materials.
Step 6: The medium should have a neutral pH.
The orchids thrive in a medium with a neutral pH.To test the pH of the soil, you can use a commercial test probe or paper test strips, both of which are available at your local garden center and online.If you need to adjust the pH, you can either add lime or add organic matter.
Step 7: The orchid will grow in the pot.
Put the bottom 2 leaf joints of the plant into the medium.The cutting will be stable if you lightly pot down the medium with your hands.
Step 8: After planting the orchid, lightly water it.
It is important that you do not oversaturate the orchid.The orchid should be watered lightly until the medium is moist.The minerals in tap water aren't good for plants, so always use distilled water.
Step 9: The area with 6 hours of indirect sunlight per day is where the pot should be placed.
If you place the orchids in the sun, they will get scorched.The greenhouse should have an area with bright, but indirect, sunlight.A location that gets at least 6 hours of sun per day is ideal.
Step 10: To allow the vines to climb, install a trellis next to the orchid.
A trellis is needed to support the orchids.The vines can climb the tree if you position the pot near it.You need to gently secure the plant to the tree using plant ties or clips if you want it to grow vertically.You can buy ties or clips at a gardening store.
Step 11: Between waterings and mists, allow the potting medium to dry out.
Wait until the top 2–3 inches of the medium has dried before watering the orchid.The soil should be moist after watering.You could mist the orchid with water from a spray bottle.The soil, stem, and leaves of the plant can be sprayed.
Step 12: Apply liquidfertilizer to the plant weakly weekly.
If you want your orchid to grow and bloom, you need to fertilize it regularly.Fertilizing weakly, weekly means adding a small amount of fertilizer every 7 days.Use a high-nitrogen (30-10) liquidfertilizer when the plant is growing.The orchid may not be in active growth.
Step 13: Allow the orchid to grow and mature.
Air roots, which are roots that grow above the soil, attach upward to the support as the orchid grows.It will take between 2-7 years for the plant to grow large enough to bloom, as it must reach 20–40 feet (6.1–1.2.2 m) in length.The time and effort is worth it.During this time, water and fertilize the orchid.
Step 14: Pollinate the orchids when they bloom.
The orchid only flowers for six weeks a year.The flowers only last a day.You will need to check the orchid daily for flowers.You will need to pollinate the flowers in order to grow the beans.
Step 15: Place the pollen on the ridge if you push the anther up.
Pollinate the flowers around 11 o'clock in the morning.Hold the mass up with your right thumb and index finger.The cam underneath the anther serves as a shield and you can expose it by using your middle finger.The ridge is where the pollen should be placed.Pull the cap back down when you push the ridge back into place.All the flowers should be repeated.Orchid roots and flowers can cause irritation.Don't replant or pollinate the plant if you have gloves on.Asking a local orchid grower to help you hand-pollinate the first few times is a very delicate process.
Step 16: Stems that face downward are indicative of successful pollination.
The day after pollination, check the orchid.The flowers should not fall off, but they will turn dark brown.If the stem begins to shorten, it is pollinated.You might need to re-pollinate the flower if you don't see a change.
Step 17: Pick thepods when they start to turn yellow.
Thepods take 6-9 months to mature, but will appear within 2 months of pollination.You should care for the plant during this time.Carefully remove the greenpods from the plant when they are just starting to turn yellow.
Step 18: Blanch the beans in water for 2 minutes.
The temperature of the pot of water should be at least 70 C.Carefully remove the beans after they've been submerged for a few minutes.This prepares the beans for curing and kills any germs.
Step 19: In a blanket-lined box, sweat the beans for 36-48 hours.
Transfer the beans to a box lined with a blanket after they've been blanched.You can use whatever you have on hand, but a bamboo box and woolen blankets are the best.Allow the beans to be in the blankets and box for 48 hours before removing them.The heat helps the beans to dry out.
Step 20: The beans should be dried in the sun and sweated for 7 days.
Put your beans in the sun for 3 hours each day.Put them in a box to allow them to sweat and then fold them up.The process of drying and sweating will cause the Pod to turn a deep brown.
Step 21: The beans should be dried for 8-20 days at 95 F and 70% humidity.
The beans should be allowed to air dry.Spread them out on the trays in the drying room.It's best to keep the room at 95 F and 70% humidity.When the beans have a soft, leathery texture, they are done drying.