need help with vanilla cutting

[lmartiny]

I managed to root a cutting in wet spagnum as per instructions by the grower. There is now new growth. What potting material do I replant it in? I seems too wet and I'm afraid it will rot. (raining here every day in Florida)
Thanks for any help.

[lmartiny]

I've watched anxiously for a reply. I'm new to this. Also nearly computer illiterate. Even to find my way back.
I did subsequently find an older thread on vanilla orchids. That helped.
I pulled it into shelter from the rain today and took out the upper layer of moss. Tomorrow I'm going to put it in a larger clay pot with a mix of some moss and the usual orchid bark mixture. Hope that keeps him alive.
I haven't been very successful with orchids. My friends who are just say to leave them alone. Theirs all bloom with ease.
I love to diddle in the yard and my gardens, and am always trying seeds and cuttings of various plants. Some work, some don't, but it's my passion. So far, Orchids have not been a great success for me. The phalenopsis (sp?) have been the most reliable by far for getting a bloom. I'm still still hoping for some others to bloom.
The squirrels and snails are wreaking havoc as well.

Thanks for any input.

[made4engineering]

Weird.. nobody has replied to this yet, thats unusual... Well Vanilla is a terrestrial orchid, so it should grow well in regular plant potting soil. If I were you, I would get the organic kind with lots of chunky bits in it. Good luck

[patticake]

Imartiny- I have never grown Vanilla. I was off-line this past evening so I didn't see your request, either. I'm sure someone will come back with more info- Just give it a little time. The more you navigate around the forum, the more you'll get used to it! Good luck with your Vanilla!

[jerrymeola]

I am growing mine in the soil under my oak tree. Nothing special just put it in the ground. You can also leave them in a pot with any light well drained mix. They also look excellent in a hanging basket.

One problem with them is they grow along anything attaching themselves and if they are not getting enough water they disconnect from the pot or ground. This is OK but then you need to increase the frequency of watering.

I have not seen sunlight in days (Fort Myers) and the vanilla are handling the rain just fine.

Where in Florida are you? You should add your local to your profile so it shows on your posts.

[lmartiny]

Thanks for your replies. I repotted him this afternoon in a large orchid pot with a mix of potting soil, orchid bark mix and a bit of moss. I made a stepladder/support for it with some bamboo and twine. I didn't want to surrender it to the yard just yet. I'll keep a better eye on it if its in the patio in a pot.

Jerry, I am in Tampa, in Brandon actually. I've been down to Ft. Myers recently helping my sister. There has definately been some serious rain down there.