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The Vanilla Orchid (family - Orchidaceae) also known as Vanilla Planifolia or Vanilla Fragrans, is a variety of vine endemic to Mexico. Vanilla is best grown as an indoor plant. The famous navigator Hernan Cortes was the first to discover and bring back the vanilla plant to Europe. Prior to his discovery, the Aztecs used vanilla to flavor a chocolate drink. Vanilla was cultivated domestically for the first time in the middle of the 19th century by Edmond Albius. Albius was a slave who lived on the French island Reunion, near Madagascar. Albius was the first to manually pollinate the vanilla flower. The flower develops into a "bean" which is used as a spice. The "Bourbon", from Reunion Island, is well known as the most intensive and balanced variety of vanilla in the world. Madagascar was the first producer of vanilla.
Manual
pollination of vanilla flowers ( Reunion Island)
Vanilla is the only orchid that can produce edible fruits. The process of converting vanilla into a spice is very long and complicated; hence, vanilla is one of the most expensive spices in the world. Pollination is only possible through manual manipulation. The pods must be blanched before drying. |
Grown as an indoor plant General Conditions - For Sale - TopThe Vanilla orchid thrives as an indoor plant. The plant must be protected from frost. Vanilla should be placed near a window away from direct sunlight in light shade. Regular watering with mineral or raining water only and humidity are required.The vanilla plant can be reproduced by cuttings. The cuttings must rest for a week, possibly two, in a shady area before repotting. The medium must be well drained and regularly moistened. As an example, soil consistency should include 1/3 light humus with 2/3 scoria.The cutting should be tied up to a stake and placed with its lower part just touching the soil.Living stakes such as Dracaena reflexa or Jatropha curcas are recommended, though artificial stakes are acceptable. Two to three cuttings can be placed together in one pot. |
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| Cuttings*
of Vanilla "Bourbon" |
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| (*): Please note that we do not sell cuttings per unit but per at minimum 3, this due to the fact that Vanilla cuttings are extremely sensible and a non negligible percentage of them can dry or can rot without possibility to stop that process. | |
| Pods
of Vanilla "Bourbon" |
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Pack of 4, 10, 50 "Bourbon" Vanilla pods : CLICK HERE TO ORDER |
Special Vanilla Box with 10 pods : CLICK HERE TO ORDER |
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Copyright © Le Jardin Naturel
Jardin Botanique et Pepiniere
264 rue G. Pompidou - 97436 - Saint Leu - Ile de la Reunion (FRANCE)
Tel/fax: 00+262+262247130
