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
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
