> ⚙️ **Auto-generated, pending human review.** This page was compiled automatically by a bot from community discussions and has **not yet been verified by an editor**; details may be imperfect and corrections are welcome. //Editors: delete this line once you have reviewed the page.// ====== Vanilla Flower ====== {{clones:v:media:vanilla_flower:5d9bfc723b5f2ea1.jpg?400}} {{clones:v:media:vanilla_flower:5fc0699ec6a193f8.jpg?400}} {{clones:v:media:vanilla_flower:ce148f0501ce6549.jpg?400}} {{clones:v:media:vanilla_flower:f8746a0d9e5b5c00.jpg?400}} ===== Description ===== "Vanilla Flower" is a Trichocereus clone closely associated with the "Tom Juul's Giant" (T. pachanoi) group. While specific morphological details such as exact rib count and spine length are not fully detailed in the community discussion, it is distinguished primarily by its floral characteristics. True to its name, the clone is reported to produce flowers with a distinct vanilla scent, separating it from standard non-scented or differently scented Tom Juul's Giant specimens. ===== History & Origin ===== The clone was distributed by the eBay seller known as "Kakster". Its historical background is tied to the archives of Sasha Shulgin. In a recorded talk regarding cacti, Shulgin noted that there are two distinct forms of "Tom Juul's Giant"—a "Vanilla" and a "Non-Vanilla" variant—distinguished by the fragrance of their blooms. Attempts by growers to contact Kakster via eBay for further origin details have been unsuccessful due to platform communication limitations. Interest in the clone's pedigree remains active, with community members continuing to seek updates on its lineage as recently as 2026. ===== Cultivation Notes ===== Cultivation reports indicate that the clone can be successfully propagated via grafting. Grower James Buchanan noted saving a rotting two-inch tip by grafting it, demonstrating the clone's resilience when grafted. Otherwise, standard Trichocereus pachanoi cultivation practices apply: well-draining soil, deep but infrequent watering during the growing season, and protection from hard freezes. ===== Community Discussion & Citations ===== //The community discussion centers on tracing the origin of the clone back to Kakster and linking it to historical audio recordings of Sasha Shulgin discussing Tom Juul's Giant variants. The clone remains highly sought after by collectors, with some describing it as a "white elephant" and seeking updates on its lineage years after its initial acquisition.// ^ Date ^ Speaker ^ Key Insight/Quote ^ | 2022 (approx) | James Buchanan | "yes same clone both directly from Kakster. I got 2 rooted pieces and the little 2inch tip rotted and I managed to save the tiny tip." | | 2022 (approx) | Lawrence Smith | "just a smack of background here" | | 2022 (approx) | Cullin Busch | "he started talking about pachanoi then Tom juuls giant, then says there are 2 Tom's Juuls Giants Non Vanilla and Vanilla because of the way the flowers smell." | ===== Contributor Confidence ===== //Visible to trusted reviewers only.// ^ Contributor ^ Confidence ^ | James Buchanan | 8/10 | | Lawrence Smith | 10/10 | | Cullin Busch | 8/10 | ===== Credibility Notes ===== Lawrence Smith is recognized as a community expert and provided the archival audio link that established the Shulgin connection. James Buchanan is the primary source of the plant material in this discussion, having purchased it directly from the original distributor, Kakster. Cullin Busch provided a detailed breakdown of the archival audio, confirming the botanical distinction between the vanilla and non-vanilla variants of Tom Juul's Giant.