Vanilla Planifolia spikes - Page 4 - Orchid Board

orchidman77 · #31 11-29-2010, 11:49 PM

I saw online a few years ago someone in a very similar situation--short, fat pods that were not long and thin like planifolia's. I believe the plant was identified as a pompona...but I'd be happy that it grows well! My planifolia cuttings didn't make it long...I didn't have a good setup at all, though! Maybe next time.

David

Mr. Tech · #32 11-30-2010, 05:02 AM

Here are some Pompona pods. They look like a baby banana.

Mr. Tech · #33 11-30-2010, 05:41 AM

But I still don't know how to distinguish planifolia and pompona from the leaves.

If some can do it please post the differences.

vmijct · #34 11-30-2010, 06:26 PM

Mr. Tech - That's what I have! Thanks a million.

Mr. Tech · #35 12-01-2010, 03:36 AM

Vanilla pompona is the orchid which historically has been used for the spice. V. planifolia is the main species used, but V. pompona is reputed to be easier make it to bloom.

vmijct · #36 12-01-2010, 06:26 PM

Mr. Tech, Thank you very much for the help. I'll post some pics of the pompona soon. It does bloom well.

vmijct · #37 02-11-2011, 09:08 PM

Was out watering in the greenhouse tonight and I'll be darned if the pompona didn't have it's first bloom on it. I almost missed it because it's so big now. Attempted pollination. Have 2 pods from last year. I have some time off now so will get some pics on soon. There are spikes all over the vine this year. Don't know if I can keep up with the pollination.

Mr. Tech · #38 02-12-2011, 06:57 AM

How 'bout trading some Pompona cuttings for my Planifolia cuttings in the spring?

vmijct · #39 02-12-2011, 04:16 PM

Mr. Tech, I see you are in Budapest. If you were here in the US it would be no problem. Can't ship overseas. Sorry. Laws are very strict.

Mr. Tech · #40 02-14-2011, 09:27 AM

If you are in contact with a school or a research lab I'll be able to mark the package as "Educational Material" and this will bypass your "strict law".