Vanilla planifolia (Vanilla)

Vanilla planifolia (Vanilla) is a fairly large, terrestrial or epiphytic orchid vine prized for its long, slender, edible pods. This tropical, evergreen plant features long fleshy stems with oblong, fleshy, bright green leaves, up to 5 in. long (12 cm) and aerial roots opposite the leaves. The creamy-white to pale yellow-green flowers are large and showy, 3 in. across (6 cm). Produced in axillary clusters, they bloom for only a day, but are produced in succession so that the plant is attractive for weeks or even months at a time. If pollinated, the blossoms give way to skinny fruit pods, 6-10 in. long (15-25 cm), which may remain on the vine for 6-9 months before maturation. Once mature, the pod is cut off the plant and cured. Outside of Mexico where the flowers are pollinated by a small bee (a Melipone), Vanilla orchids must be hand-pollinated in order to produce their delightful fruit. Vanilla planifolia is the most important source of commercial vanilla and is widely cultivated in Mexico and Madagascar. It is the only orchid that is known to bear edible fruit.

Vanilla orchid is an easy and interesting plant to grow in a greenhouse or in the house. It should be grown in a container in a standard bark-based epiphyte compost, then allowed to climb any stake for support. The roots like being supported (in nature they climb up trees). Usually, this orchid does not flower until the stems reach a considerable length 9 over 10 ft. or 3 m), and sometimes, not until the stem is trained horizontally.

• Grows up to 8-10 ft. tall (240-300 cm) and 4-6 ft. wide (120-180 cm). May reach 50-70 ft. (15-21 m) in its native habitat, but as an indoor plant it grows much shorter.
• Easily grown in organically rich, fertile soil in bright natural light, but not direct sun.
• Requires 60-65°F (15-18°C) at night and 80-85°F (26-29°C) during the day.
• Maintain adequate humidity (85%) for most of the year. Daily misting is appreciated. Maintain good air movement to prevent orchid disease.
• Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
• Provide light but regular fertilization with a high-nitrogen solution of (30-10-10) when your Vanilla orchid is in active growth. Apply a light fertilizer solution of (20-20-20) when the orchid is not in active growth.
• Generally disease free. Keep an eye out for fungus rot, spider mites and mealybugs.
• Native to Florida, Central and South America, West Indies.