Vanilla Orchid

Vanilla is the only orchid that can produce edible fruits. The process of converting vanilla into a spice is very long and complicated; hence, vanilla is one of the most expensive spices in the world. Pollination is only possible through manual manipulation. The pods must be blanched before drying and fermenting — all tricky processes to bring out the bean’s best flavor.

Plant Facts:

Common Name:  Vanilla Orchid

Botanical Name:  Vanilla planifolia or Vanilla fragrans

Family:  Orchidaceae

Plant Type:  Climbing, terrestrial orchid

Origin: Florida, West Indies, Central and South America

Zones: 10 – 11

Height:  30′ or more

Rate of Growth: Slow

Salt Tolerance: Medium

Soil Requirements:  Well drained, moist, fertile humus to start, plant becomes Epiphytic with age

THIS PLANT IS APPROXIMATELY 4 YEARS OLD, 12′ LONG AND IS GROWING ON A CLERODENDRUM (CLERODENDRON) QUADRILOCULARE.

Water Requirements: Water freely, less water in winter

Nutritional Requirements: Balanced liquid fertilizer monthly

Light Requirements: Partial shade

Form:  Branching climber — give it a sturdy, shady tree to climb

Leaves:  Fleshy, mid-green to 6″ long

Flowers:  In Spring, yellow-green, 3/4″ across, on axillary racemes

Fruits: Pendulous, cylindrical seed pods to 10″ long

Pests:  Aphids, scale insects and spider mites

Uses:  Curiosity — conversation piece

Bad Habits: 

Cost:  $$ — reasonable

Propagation:   cuttings

Sources: AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY A-Z ENCYCLOPEDIA OF GARDEN PLANTS