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.
Hardiness |
11 - 12 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Climbers, Orchids |
Plant Family | Orchidaceae |
Exposure | Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
Height |
8' - 10' (240cm - 3m) |
Spread |
4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm) |
Maintenance | High |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries |
Native Plants | Florida, Southeast, United States |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
Hardiness |
11 - 12 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Climbers, Orchids |
Plant Family | Orchidaceae |
Exposure | Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
Height |
8' - 10' (240cm - 3m) |
Spread |
4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm) |
Maintenance | High |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries |
Native Plants | Florida, Southeast, United States |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
How many Vanilla planifolia (Vanilla) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Vanilla planifolia (Vanilla) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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