Botanical Name |
Vanilla planifolia |
Common Names |
Vanilla Bean Orchid, Flat-Leaved Vanilla, True Vanilla |
Family |
Orchidaceae |
Origin |
Mexico, Central America, Caribbean |
Plant Type |
Tropical climbing orchid |
Life Cycle |
Perennial |
Mature Size |
Vines 10–30 ft long with support |
Light |
Bright, indirect light or partial shade |
Water Needs |
Moderate; consistent moisture & high humidity |
Soil |
Loose, well-drained orchid or epiphytic mix |
Bloom Time |
Spring–Summer (flowers last 1 day each) |
Flower Color |
Pale yellow-green |
USDA Zones |
9–11 (container in cooler zones) |
Florida Native |
No |
Propagation |
Stem cuttings |
Seasonal Traits |
Evergreen vine |
Time to Harvest |
3–4 years to first flowers; 8–9 months for pods after pollination |