How Vanileco Grows Vanilla Using Living Support Trees and Regenerative Composting

Vanilla is a climbing orchid. It develops through both aerial roots and roots in the soil, which means it needs proper support to grow correctly.

Living Support: Why We Use Gliricidia

In our plantation, we use living plants as support - mainly Gliricidia. This species is especially well-suited for ecological vanilla cultivation. Its leaves capture and recycle nutrients, particularly nitrogen, and naturally fall to the ground. This creates a continuous, natural fertilization process, enriching the soil without the need for chemicals.

Managing Shade Through Pruning

However, because of its fast growth, shade must be carefully managed. We regularly prune to:

• Reduce excess humidity during the rainy season
• Improve air circulation
• Optimize light exposure

During the dry season, we leave more branches to maintain protective shade for the vanilla vines and pods. Nothing goes to waste in this system.

Turning Pruned Material into Compost

Pruned material is:

• Chopped and combined with leaves and organic matter
• Turned into high-quality solid compost

We also produce liquid compost by fermenting Gliricidia leaves with other plants. This nutrient-rich solution supports stronger growth and higher productivity of the vanilla vines.

As a Madagascar vanilla supplier committed to sustainable vanilla sourcing, this is not just about growing vanilla - it's about building a controlled, regenerative system where every element has a purpose.