On the field in December 2019 visiting my contact Leo in Sabah, Malaysia. It was an opportunity to discover the traditional vanilla cultivation under tropical canopy and his innovative concept using low-tech greenhouse shelter.
– Traditional vanilla cultivation
Vanilla beans (not mature yet) 
Vanilla planifolia
Corenthin Chassouant with Leo visiting the traditional vanilla cultivation area in Borneo, Malaysia
– Vanilla cultivation under low-tech shade houses
Vanilla cultivation under shade house (low-tech) using black screen
– Thank you Leo
It was a pleasure to visit the Leo’s vanilla farm in the Sabah State in Malaysia. He has done a terrific job to learn and understand how the orchids can grow in his very warm and humid tropical environnment. The light control, choice of substrate and density of lianas are very important factors to consider. Then, you will have to manage the vanilla flower “artificial” fecondation to collect premium quality vanilla beans after 9 months.
More info about the vanilla cultivation (under plastic greenhouses) in this article: https://horti-generation.com/vanilla-production-under-greenhouses/
Today, Leo is cultivating vanilla planifilia (vanille bourbon) and also vanilla tahitensis from Tahiti. He is one of the principal expert in Malaysia promoting the vanilla from Borneo for his incredible quality.
Good continuation Leo !
Sources = personal photos
