How to Plant new Vanilla Cuttings & a Demo on Natural Fertilizer Use

This was part of our Live that was recorded on 30th October 2021 where among other topics, I demonstrate how to plan new vanilla cuttings, showing you how to prune a cutting before planting it and then putting them in potting bags for new shoots to grow or planting them directly to the ground.
I also demonstrate how I use the natural fertilizer mixes we make, using the KNF Korean Natural Farming method.

[@shirleywilhelm1495]

For insects I use clove oil and water in a sprayer,it numbs insects to death. Got this from a olive grower this was the only ingredient i knew what it was. It works on roaches, spiders, wasps. Organic two. Love your simplied video. Easy to understand.

[@desertedenblooms]

Your a fantastic teacher! I learned so much . I stumbled on to your channel . I want to grow vanilla vines and this channel and your mentorship is at the top of my list! Be Blessed!

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

Talofa lava...thank you so very much for your beautiful comment. You have made my day! 👏💖💖🥰 I am happy you are enjoying my videos ❤🌺⭐

[@difasmuyanja9371]

Watching from uganda your videos so nice educative

[@2lila1]

Thanks for sharing, warm greetings from Papua New Guinea 🇵🇬 . God bless 💫 🙏

[@marianatrejos6760]

Love this! Thank you❤

[@Carmen-no7bb]

THANK YOU ! I LIKE THEY WAY YOU TEACH!

[@hrisoni1]

Thanks for the information

[@robertlagrange370]

Hello, thanks for your videos they has been very helpful to me as a beginner of vanilla planting, can you please explain to mixing proportion of each nutrients and how to ferment bananas flower. Much appreciate, Robert L from Florida.

[@thedomestead3546]

Thankyou! Great doccumentation.

[@itsMelejane]

Have you ever considered offering a class? I'd sign up for sure! Thank you for sharing your knowledge, you're a great teacher!

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

Yes i have thought about this for a long time. Working out the best way of doing that 🤩

[@prestonheck]

I appreciate the information you have provided, thank you.

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

We appreciate you Subscribing 🙏, thank you so much 💖

[@janicebain3674]

excellent discourse! thank you so much.

[@Detlevupandaway]

Thanks for letting me know what to with my vanilla cuttings

[@stephenteo4773]

great thanks

[@sobattanimilenial]

Thanks for sharing 😍 I'm from Indonesia 🙏

[@natalietong6306]

Thank you for the best video ❤

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

Thank you 😊

[@jennypangalanko]

Thank you

[@rickydichoso3546]

Very nice

[@teckchuanho2744]

Thank you so much

[@noreencerge7599]

I think you a good teacher. Thank you. Impressed.

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

Thank you very much for your kind comment 🥰

[@carolscabinas]

You are wonderful! I just learnt so much from you. Awesome!

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

Thank you 😊

[@apolotirol5179]

Plan to start planting here in Bohol.. Thank you for the nice advice video..

[@terryh5677]

Very nice. Your video is a must see video. Thanks for all the information. You really are a fantastic teacher no doubt.

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

Thank you Terry 😊

[@billdixon4489]

Thank you very much Shelley just love your videos. I have my first plant which I was gifted about two years ago and now it is flowering and a beautiful flower. Love learning from you with your amazing talent and knowledge of growing and producing the vanilla plant. Thank You From Australia. 🦘

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

Thank you so much for your lovely comments. I wish you all the very best with your plant and I hope that maybe one day I will visit Australia on a vanilla training exercise.

[@kamarghazali2080]

Thank You for the short but very informative content, I am very new to vanilla growing after a few attempts on small peppermints, chilis and tomatoes, I have obtained 4 pots of baby vanilla to have a go. Can't wait to try out these natural fertilizers.

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

Thank you so much 💖

[@Richsin1]

Thank you for your video mam, I`m vanili farmer too from Indonesia

[@abduwahabmugerwa]

Thank

[@selayargreenchannel6620]

The best information

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

Thank you so much! 💖

[@shirleywilhelm1495]

Could you share recipe ingredients and measurements for the fertilizer you use? This has been very helpful Thank you!

[@kimberleycot]

So good to find your video and I presume a fellow student of dr cho knf. Thank you from Derby WA

[@uumbajiwamunguniwaajabutv2584]

Godbless you madam.greeting from Tanzania East Africa.

[@heatherwells6971]

So glad I found your videos. We have a large vanilla crop but are new to it and have alot of questions. These videos are so helpful. Is there a way a could send you a picture of the mold that we have and get your opinion?

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

Talofa Heather. I am so pleased to learn my videos are helping you. Feel free to send me images on Messenger - you can find me under Shelley Burich and Vaoala Vanilla. Happy to assist as best as I can. Regards, Shelley

[@napoleonbanzuela4263]

It was just a coincidence that I happened to see your channel. And after listening to your vlog, I was amazed on how you teach in propagating the vanilla vine . This vedio was about a year ago . hence I subscribe. And thank you and hoping I will be seeing more of your vedio about vanilla vine.

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

Thank you Napoleon. Its been a while since my last video and I will get back to making some fresh ones soon. Do you have any requests on what you would like to watch with vanilla growing?

[@tarahscarbrough8629]

Can you do a video on best selecting where to do cuttings from? Should I do the new branches that are now 2’+ or from the top of the main stem? Love your videos.

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

Certainly can...do a separate video on pruning for cuttings. There is one on the subject but maybe its not enough? You can do either..depends on current health of the vine. If it looks healthy and is at least 5 to 6 ft in length and has been looped all the way to the ground..then you can start pruning. Hope this helps. Regards Shelley

[@marceloamazonas2518]

Great vídeo, tks! Please, do you have any recipe to avoid curculionidae beetle. All the best ❤

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

Not yet! 😊

[@khoivinh2028]

Hi Shelley, beautiful garden you have, so lush and healthy. My Tahitensis are less than 1year old and growing from in-vitro plants. I wonder if you have any instruction for curing vanilla. You'll probably laugh at my optimism; my plants are 8 months old and about 50 cm tall now. I love your instructional videos, very well done. Thanks Shelly...

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

Hi there, thank you for your lovely words and I'm very happy that my videos are enjoyed by so many viewers. Congratulations on your own vanilla journey. Curing vanilla is an art that is perfected over time. Using the basic curing method that is commonly shared online and in Manuals then perfecting it to suit your own climate conditions and processing area. I will be putting out a short video clip with snippets of my processing method soon. It is a video I have been working on with our Branding Bureau. I will upload it here when it is ready. Keep nurturing your baby Tahitensis . All the best, Shelley

[@BaoTran-km9yu]

thank you so much Shelley just be lovely ur videos, i learned a lot from you, i hope that you may send me the instructions how to prepare the natural fertilizer, how to treat diseases on vanilla plants, ❤❤❤

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

There is no natural fertilizer that I know of that will completely treat diseases on vanilla plants. The common vanilla disease I know of, I manage by cutting and destroying the affected vine completely. Happy to share where I have learned all of my natural farming methods and their section on pesticide recipes that you may like to try: naturalfarminghawaii.net/2016/07/09/kill-little-red-fire-ants-on-contact-homebrew-pesticides/

[@jennywhite6907]

When you cut off the leaves and new growth, I got an upset tummy, but reminded myself that you have hundreds of plants and are a vanilla orchid master gardener. You must be doing it right, as your plants are thriving! My new orchid is over 6 ft long, but in a pot of SOIL in a 4 inch pot!!!! I’m researching how to repot it

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

Repotting can be done. Try not to disturb the existing ground roots as much as possible though. Cover with fresh organic ground cover after transferring to a bigger pot. Remember to loop your vine all the way down to the top of the soil and cover with coconut husks, coir, peat moss orsimilar for new ground roots to establish. This keeps the vine very healthy for flowers to appear and bean growth.

[@spudgn]

I’m Planning my own farm with vanilla as a intercrop with coconut, mango, coffee, nutmeg etc.

[@jeremie5171]

Great content, I would like to start a grow in Trinidad and tobago in the Caribbean, any suggestions on how to get cuttings??where can I find a supplier or collaborator?? also what do you think about ( crab meal, sea weed extract, worm casting, bat guano, compost tea, molasses, kelp meal, volcanic rock dust, humic acid) as fertilizer and booster for the plants? Thank you so much for your help!!!

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

Hi there....thank you for your lovely comment. As to where to get cuttings...I would suggest exploring if there are other vanilla farmers in your country and surrounding countries. I know Malaysia and the Philippines send vine cuttings outside of their countries. There is a FB group called Vanilla Plant Growers where you could ask in there for growers who are close to your area. I am really not familiar with many of the items you have suggested as fertilizer ingredients. I do know compost tea, kelp meal and dry chicken manure are great for the compost mix and vanilla. Good luck with everything. Shelley

[@jeremie5171]

@@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124 Thank you so much for your prompt answer and dedication to helping and giving valuable insights!! I am going to check out the references you have shared with me right away! I know that there are different strains of vanilla vines, which one is the one you are growing, compared to the ones from the potential collaborators you referred me to? Have you tried to spray or water compost tea on your vanilla vines? do you believe it would be worth creating some super soil to top up the vanilla vines in nutrients over the years by just regularly sprinkling the top of the ground the vines have been planted in and grew out of with some of this loaded up in organic nutrients super soil?? would you happen to have any idea about the main nutrients and macro nutrients the vanilla vine is craving and needs the most along with the NPK ratio per cycle phase ? kindly Jeremie

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

@@jeremie5171 yes I have used compost tea sprayed on vines and soil...they love it! I also use seaweed laid out on the soil, after being rinsed of sand..when I have it. There is a KNF Solution Calculator App on Google Play that i use for the solutions mix at the different stages. I mainly use FPJ, LAB, WCA. I don't follow the App religiously, its whatever I have available.

[@lesliegrayson1722]

Wow that's a short cutting.. Id only leave 3 nodes two segments and two leaf areas cut short. much like pomegranate, fig, black berry, grape, raspberry, and anything else I get cuttings from.. how ever I haven't received my vanilla cuttings yet so I cant test them.. We shall see I suppose.

[@prasantomarak3674]

11199999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999

[@jennwong2951]

Do you have a video on pollution of the vanilla flower?. Iv been growing my vanilla vine for 2yrs and now there is orchid buds .how to hand pollinate?

[@DL-wb5ip]

I am glad I found your channel. I have ordered my first vanilla plant and really want to help it thrive. I was excited to watch you videos. I see that you have made homemade concentrated fertilizers.("LAB", "FPJ", "WCA" and "Ant Spray") Is it possible that you can share or make videos of how you put together each recipe with measurements? Example: I see that the LAB fertilizer is rice water and fermented milk., but how much of each do you mix together? I know that vinegar will kill plants here in Florida so I was surprised to see that you use it in each recipe but I do not know how much to use to make the concentrated mixes. I see that you only use a small amount of each mixed in water to spray on the plants. I hope you see this and can help us all. Thank you for your informative videos. I really enjoyed watching them.

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

Hi there. Apologies for a delayed reply. The recipe quantities flash up on the video but maybe you've missed them? If you send me your email address I will email you the recipes 😀. Email me at [e-mail], regards Shelley

[@j.christenadams369]

Hi Shelley, thanks for your great video. I note the vine on your metal tutors is very open. Do you cut it back every year to keep it this way? Mine grows like a triffid and is very dense - maybe why it doesn't want to flower??? Maybe not enough light gets in?

[@beam.1612]

Hi Shelley please consider giving a paid online class with all steps .

[@joshiwamiang7545]

Watching from Papua New Guinea 🇵🇬. Learning alot from your videos.

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

I am so happy my videos are helping... 😊👍

[@michellechadwick9839]

Why do you have to let it dry out if you aren't burying in the dirt? Great video, I loved seeing all the mature vanilla!

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

Hi Michelle, it is done this way so you do not expose the freshly cut ends of the vine - which has a sap running from it - to potential root rot when laid to ground right away. Regards, Shelley

[@GenRN]

How did you learn this technique? Thank you for sharing!

[@ilturacarser669]

Thank you very much for this detailed video. I had a vanilla planifolia growing in a pot. But i damaged the roots when i was transferring it to a bigger pot, i think, while trying to place a support stick. When i noticed it was too late, the root completely separated from the plant. So i found your video. Thank you very much, because there is no such detailed explanation on internet. I got cuttings from the plant as you explained. Now i want to ask you, after placing the cuttings to mulch as you explained, do i have to humidify the cuttings and the mulch until growing roots and buds, or do nothing? I live in a dry air city. Thanks for your reply. 🙂

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

Hi there...thank so much for your lovely comments and I am very happy that you found my video to be helpful. I am glad you have started again with a new cutting. Yes...I would give some moisture to the mulch and vine leaves, stem too. If you live-in a very arid place, then give it water at least 2 times a week with a natural fertilizer once a week to help with the new growth. Good luck with this new one.

[@037netis]

I have a well established plant several years old, suddenly she is suffering from root rot. Would you use this method as an attempt to save the plant and encourage new root growth? Any tips are appreciated..thanks!

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

Hi there....I would suggest pruning the vine and cutting away the root rot parts. Let the pruned sections dry out completely (7-10days) before replanting. Remember...don't bury the vine in soil when growing...lay on top if soil and cover the nodes with mulch and compost material...leave the end of the vine exposed to the air. Send me some images if you like by DM. Good luck, Shelley

[@darlangit8001]

Thank you for sharing very detailed vanilla growing information. I am curious now and want to grow some vanilla. Do you sell/ship vanilla plants overseas?

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

Talofa Dar, thank you. I am pleased you are finding my videos helpful to you. I am not selling/shipping vanilla cuttings overseas sorry. I have yet to find out from our Quarantine department what is involved in order to ship overseas...work in progress 🥰 I sell vanilla beans and value add products online if you would like to check out my website store www.vaoalavanilla.com for all your vanilla goodness. Fa'afetai tele lava, Shelley

[@mujaddidmohsin]

Thank you very much for sharing Shelley. How often do you apply the natural fertilizers on the vines?

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

I try to do it once a month when starting to grow and then decrease it to every 2.months. when it is flowering or has beans then it is a different mixture

[@arsenalfan188]

Enjoyed your video. I however had a very difficult time hearing you. I normally don't have this problem. I would like to know the area of the country you are at. I live in Tennessee USA. I don't think I could grow outside in winter. Thank you for the information. Can you tell me where you got the plumeria that's behind you ear ?

[@ShelleyBurich]

Hi there, I live in Samoa - a South Pacific island and in the village of Vaoala. The flower behind my ear is a normal thing for Samoan/pacific women to wear. We grow plumeria (frangipani) here in the islands.

[@florenziadavis2436]

Thank you for your very informative video. Can you give me your recipes for the natural fertilizer and ant contro solutions?

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

Talofa Florenzia, thank you for liking our video. The recipes for both the natural fertilizer (and link to the KNF website) and ant control solutions are popups on the actual video. You will need to stop the video to capture them. If you have problems I can email them to you. Regards, Shelley

[@florenziadavis2436]

@@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124 Hi Shelley, I tried stopping the video but the display was so short that I was not able to get all of the recipe. I would greatly appreciate your emailing the recipes to me, please. Thank you so much for the video and all your help. Florenzia

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

@@florenziadavis2436 i can do that for you Florenzia. Email me at [e-mail] so I have your email to send the recipes too. Regards Shelley

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

@@florenziadavis2436 I need your email address please - to send recipes and images to. Kind regards, Shelley

[@robchedzey1]

Great videos - how often do you water the new cuttings, as well as fertilize them?

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

Hi Robert, watering the new cuttings will depend on what the normal rainfall is for your location. You do not want to water them too much though where they will become waterlogged and increase the risk of root rot. I water and fertilize for my area up in the hills no more than once a month. We get more rainfall than villages at sea-level. If I see the coconut husks and mulch looking dry, then this indicates that it is time to water them.

[@juliekennon8965]

I got a 2 foot cutting 10 months go. I wish I had found your videos, I put the base in the soil, I has been growing well. It has a long shoot, is it best to cut them and start another plant? What problems will I have since it is planted in the soil? I didn’t know to cut the leaves so I hadn’t done that. What benefit is there to cutting them? I was planning on buying another cutting, I have looked at 2 ft and 4 ft cutting, is it better to start with the 2 ft? I’m sorry for so many questions. I really love my vanilla orchid.

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

Hi Julie....can you send me some photos via Messenger or WhatsApp? The vine might end up with root rot with the end buried...but if you say that it is growing well, maybe its ok? Are the leaves a nice dark green colour with no signs of nutrient deficiency? For cuttings...we cut the leaves like that so new growth is encouraged earlier and the vine doesn't have to share its nutrients with a lot of existing leaves.

[@timothyjones9430]

Hi Shelly.. IM in Pago...Congratulation's on a successful operation.! I ordered Madagascar starts about 3 years ago. They grew really well in the nursery, Now I have a more than a hundred vines Im putting out into the filed of new cocoa trees I planted last year. Im worried about fungus and other pests or disease in our area.. I wanted to ask you if you have any problems with mildew, fungus rot or pests on your vanilla vines??? Thank you..

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

Awesome news Timothy 👏 Fungus and Pests are inevitable when growing on trees and in a natural environment. If you get black large spots on the leaves, that is a virus and affected vines are to be destroyed or else it will spread quickly. Fungus and root rot will happen if environment is too damp, wet and not enough airflow and sun (not too much for sunburn). Pests are ants, aphids, white moth and African snails. I live with the challenges and control it as best as I can. I accept that not all vines and beans are going to be perfect and export grade.

[@timothyjones9430]

@@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124 Is that virus you speak of similar to bunchy virus in bananas? How can I prevent? Is it caused by aphids?

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

@@timothyjones9430 share your email with me and I'll send you some info on vanilla fungus and viruses

[@beam.1612]

Good morning Shelly. Why do you cut the top 3 leaves and why you tip off the top? Also does the size of the vine influence the years that the will start production?

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

Yes the length should be very very long and looped down to the ground so ground roots are established before encouraging the vine to produce flowers for production. When pruning, and if we want to use those prune cuttings as new plants, then we cut the top 3 leaves off (3/4) to encourage new growth faster.

[@ritaalaga3718]

Hi,ni am about to receive the cutting. I understood that is will be so small, but still want to try. The plan is to plant vanilla in garden in Gambia. My question is- the soil in my land is sandy, I think I need add some coconut shredings ....but where the best place for vaniļa to grove? How much sun they require and how often watering in dry season?

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

Add natural compost and mulch material that will turn into soil and help mix with the sand. Check out my other videos and lives here where I talk about the amount of shade that is needed, watering and best place to grow. Regards Shelley

[@coreyakers3435]

Hi. Could you elaborate more on the banana flower fertilizer? I tried making some, but I'm not sure how much sugar to use, and how long it will last, or how long to ferment it? What I made has been in a sealed container for about two weeks, but smelling it burns the nostrils now 😂.

[@dancap1985]

Its coconut cubes🥰

[@222mmax]

i bought a small vanilla plant in a small potting container with some rocky soil or just rocks. it is about 3 inches length. i replanted it in a soil because i didn't know how to care for it. i was so happy to have it. i didn't know it's an orchid. when i replanted it i saw a single root so i planted it in a bigger container with soil. so here you mentioned not to plant the vanilla bottom tip with root in the soil. will it die? how to water it? i will remove it from the soil and place it by a coffee tree tomorrow. thank you God bless you.

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

Hi there....I am glad you are changing your planting method. Vanilla roots grow on top of the soil/ground and not into it. By burying the vine into the soil - you are increasing the risk of root rot for the vine. Lay the vine on top of the ground and cover it with organic mulching material such as shredded coconut husk for the ground roots to grow into. Cover it up, leaving the bottom part of the vine exposed to air to dry. The roots will grow into the mulching material. Do not overwater either - keep the ground moist but not soggy. Shelley x

[@raeavery2161]

What do U fertilizer do use and how often

[@danlinsel9603]

Hello, Thank you for the beautiful videos. I'd like to find out from you. I have only one vanilla plant growing, about 80cm long, with 15 leaves. How big the cuttings from it should be to maximize the number of plants gained for planting? Thank you.

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

Hi Dan, thank you for your comments. Your plant is still very young and should not be pruned until you have looped it for ground roots at least 3 to 4 times throughout its growing stage..at least 3 to 4 years if growing. It is only then that you can look at making cuttings from this plant to make new plants.

[@danlinsel9603]

@@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124 Thank you for your response. Just one more question. I noticed that the plant is not growing very fast, but it's looking very healthy. Does the size of container, type of substrate matter? Also what substitute can I use for coconut husks?

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

@@danlinsel9603 yes....if it has been looped and the plant looks like it is getting crowded in the original pot then transfer to a bigger pot. Be careful not to disturb the ground roots established in the original, so you don't stress out the vine too much with the transfer. Peat moss, wood chips or similar ground cover are good substitutes for coconut husks. Anything that is organic and will give the vines something for the ground roots to cling to and grow from...remember that the vines ground root system grows on top of the soil and ground cover and does not grow into the soil.

[@danlinsel9603]

@@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124 Thank you so much

[@danlinsel9603]

Dear Shelley, I also would like to ask, what is the recommended height from the ground level to the top for one vanilla plant, or can it be as long as one can reach the top? Is there any maximum numbers of loops recommended for keeping a good quality vanilla or how long can/should one vanilla plant grow? What is the maintenance needed regarding the size regulation of one plant? Thank you so much for your response.

[@uumbajiwamunguniwaajabutv2584]

I want to learn more pls

[@gordonsmit3396]

Wow... All i need to know in one video.👌🏻... My vanilla cuttings grow very well during the summer,, for a meter or so... then the grow tip turns black and growth tip dies... 😭Greetings..South African

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

It could be tbe soil mixture and lack of nutrients? Do you give it mulch and compost?

[@gordonsmit3396]

Hi.. The mix is pinebark nuggets and a bit of pottting soil... 😬And for feeding i give pelletized chicken manure... I have got the feeling i am not doing it right.. 🤦🏻‍♂️😬.. 😁 😁

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

@@gordonsmit3396 Hi there, it may be that the chicken manure pellets may be a bit strong for the soil mixture? I am not sure. My organic material is made up of mown grass, leaves, paper, cardboard, fruit and vegetable peelings etc broken down and using the natural fertilizers in this video. Make sure you haven't buried the vanilla vine into the soil - root rot will set in. Lay the vine across and on top of the soil and place mulching material for the ground roots to grow into, such as coir or similar to what I use - coconut husks. Good luck, Shelley

[@amandamum5652]

Hi thank you for share wher can I bay the plant

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

Sorry...I live in Samoa, in the South Pacific and can't send cuttings yet. Work in progress with our Quarantine department.

[@michaelnaylor-hodgkinson991]

Hi, what happens when you pinch the tip from a young vine. I'm in Cambodia and I'm crisscrossing one of mine up a wicker shelving unit. When it reaches the top I don't want the hot sun and breezes to hurt it(I'm on a 4th-floor balcony), so my intention is to literally nip it in the bud. Will it send out side shoots?

[@ShelleyBurich]

Hi Michael, the purpose of tipping a strong vanilla vine is to encourage the vine to produce vanilla flowers instead of new vines (after 1 or several attempts). Yes, basically, tipping will encourage side shoots but if you want flowers instead, you just keep tipping the new shoots. To tip a young vine would potentially weaken the vine and create an unhealthy environment. If you want your vanilla vine to be strong and keep growing, you need to be looping these young vines for at least 3-4 years and providing the bottom of the looped vine with organic mulch cover for the ground root system to remain healthy. Once you have this, then start tipping. Hope this helps. Regards, Shelley

[@peggyreilly3388]

Why do you trim off the new growth . For the new cutting if you dip it in wax , is it necessary to still dry it for a week? What about watering?

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

Hi there....trimming off the new growth...I assume you mean cutting the bottom leaves and half cut the top leaves? If so, that is to encourage the new cutting to produce new leaf shoots quicker. If you leave the bottom leaves on and plant it like that by covering the leaves with mulch etc., it will be more susceptible to diseases and root rot. I can't comment on the wax dipping part as I have never done that and to be honest, I would not do that myself. I prefer to let the plant dry naturally so the sap of the vine has time to naturally dry out before planting - the goal is not to encourage root rot with a 'wet' and fresh cutting. For watering....and again I assume you mean the cuttings? Hang them in the shade and it is okay if they are exposed to rain.

[@sueevans8874]

Where can someone in the Midwest USA get some fresh whole Pulu (coconut husk) for my vanilla vine?

[@alwinparas461]

How many times youve spray the vanilla cuttings

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

Hi Alwin, I spray the cuttings depending on the weather, if it is our rainy season then I only use the fertilizer mix every 2 months, and for the dry season, once a month.

[@j.christenadams369]

Another thought, how many pods per vine do you let a vine have & how grams cured pods per vine would that average?

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

Hi there...a vine can potentially produce up to 100 beans (pods) - I pollinate around 65-70% of the flowers on a vine so it does not stress the vine too much in providing nutrients to the pods while maturing. Approx 200 cured pods weighs 1 kilogram. For the green harvest (mature, ripe beans/pods) appox 100 pods weigh 1 kilogram. You need to remember that only around 70-80% of your total vines will produce flowers per season.

[@j.christenadams369]

@@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124 Thanks Shelly

[@shirleywilhelm1495]

Your website isn't shown long enough to get it.

[@imeldareyesturnhout4999]

Hi Maam, good day. Are you here on fhe Phil. Or in other country? I like to order the Vanilla to have plantation. How can I order?

[@trentcvendiola7662]

Where are you located? We are on the Big Island of Hawaii at 4000 ft. Is it possible to grow vanilla here?

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

I am also located on a mountain in Samoa, not sure of the height though. Vanilla can be grown in the cooler heights of the Tropics. You adjust the growing environment to allow for good airflow and sun to keep it from mold and too much dampness

[@jennwong2951]

Of course it grows very well . I live honolulu. My vines are double in size for 2yrs . Now the orchids are budding. 😊

[@raeavery2161]

Can U tell me the recipe for your plant fertilizer and any spray please

[@antonioancheta2328]

How much per cutting and lenght per cut. Am from Davao City. Thanks.

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

Hi Antonio, I only sell locally (Samoa) sorry. Regards, Shelley

[@gaza1677]

Hello I recently saw a video that states you plant vanilla according to the moon phases Is this true?

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

It could be..but I don't follow it. I plant according to the maintenance schedule which is around this time for the pacific season.

[@elisandraolofson877]

How about the moon? Do you use the moon for planting?

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

I haven't tried moon planting yet but I am sure it would work great 😊

[@luzmariatorres1536]

How often do you water?

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

Talofa Luz, I water when I feel that it needs water...the pulu, coconut husks show me when it is too dry. When they are dry and don't have moisture in them from natural rainfall then I water. I live up in the mountain where there is more rainfall than at sea level. Hope this helps.

[@Carmen-no7bb]

PUERTO RICO HEAR😊

[@meloathletics317]

Can you please coach me on growing vanilla please.

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

Hi there...I can do online training for you via video messenger. I charge per hour for online sessions. Email me at [e-mail] if you would like to know more. Regards Shelley

[@difasmuyanja9371]

Hello Shelley how long will vanilla take to mature and harvest

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

Hi there...from a cutting a vanilla vine needs to mature for at least 3 to 4 years before you encourage it to produce flowers for beans.

[@difasmuyanja9371]

@@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124 well I think I have to be patient I planted I last November 🙄 can you please send the list for fertilizers and insectcides

[@difasmuyanja9371]

@@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124 well I think I have to be patient I planted I last November 🙄 can you please send the list for fertilizers and insectcides

[@difasmuyanja9371]

@@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124 well I think I have to be patient I planted I last November 🙄 can you please send the list for fertilizers and insectcides

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

@@difasmuyanja9371 there is a video on the natural fertilizers i make and use. Have you watched that one? The system I use is KNF Korean Natural farming fertilizer system.

[@jamesdarley8656]

Do you have DM I have started my farm - growing on betel not I'd like to share some pics with you and get some pointers

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

Am off island on holiday right now. Contact me again on direct message @vaoalavanilla on FB and Insta or email me at [e-mail]. happy to help. Regards Shelley

[@pinoyecofarmer]

what is the distance between posts?

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

between 880mm and 1metre distance.

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

Sorry for the late reply. About a meter to 1.5 meters apart

[@matthiaseze5717]

I'm glad, I found you. Are you on Facebook.

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

Yes I am on Facebook 😊 @shelleyburich and @vaoalavanilla.

[@damarisholzel1316]

I have one question How long do the vanilla need to grow?

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

Vanilla cuttings need to grow and mature for at least 3-4 years before tipping them to produce flowers.

[@damarisholzel1316]

Thank you And how long need the cuttings to grow to see roots?

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

@@damarisholzel1316 it will depend on the health of the cutting. When you see a new shoot appear from a leaf from the cutting then you know you have ground roots starting. Between 4-6 weeks approx

[@damarisholzel1316]

@@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124 😊 thank you Do you also sell cuttings?

[@ShelleyBurich]

@@damarisholzel1316 Morning....I only sell cutting locally (Samoa) but I will look into it with the Samoa Quarantine Department as to what the process will be in order to ship these internationally. I have had a lot of request to sell cuttings outside of Samoa. Thank you for taking an interest in Vaoala Vanilla. Shelley x

[@orientpearl8092]

Hi, can I buy cuttings? I'm from the Philippines.

[@orientpearl8092]

Are u from UK?

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

Sorry Orient, I do not export vanilla vines yet. I am based in Samoa in the South Pacific

[@adrienneh.978]

LAB is great for stinky armpits! #truth

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

Yes...my friend uses LAB as a deodorant too. Haven't tried it personally...yet!

[@AJ-farmerboy2225]

good morning madam my name is ajay i live in a village in india i do farming i don't have much land i am poor farmer can you give me vanilla plant i also want to cultivate it you are very hardworking and handsome i am in your way but want to walk help me and give a chance to a poor farmer 💐🙏

[@shelleyburich-vaoalavanill6124]

Talofa lava Ajay, I applaud you for reaching out and encourage you to keep going in whatever you are able to farm on your land. I wish I could help you but I am unable to send you vanilla plants from Samoa to India due to quarantine restrictions and the very long distance which the vanilla vine would need to travel to you. The plant would have died by then. There are many other vanilla farmers closer to your region e.g. Indonesia and I am sure in India too, who might be able to help you with some plant cuttings to start a small vanilla plot. Wishing you all the best, Shelley