Vanilla planifolia

A vigorous climbing orchid native to the tropical forests of Central America and the source of commercial vanilla, producing succulent ovate-lanceolate leaves along scrambling stems. The short-lived flowers feature open sepals and petals with a tubular, fimbriate labellum — each must be hand-pollinated to set the prized vanilla pods.

• Light: Bright indirect light with 30–50% shade cloth; tolerates some morning sun, which encourages flowering in mature plants.
• Temperature: 60–95°F (16–35°C); a warm to hot grower that requires consistently high temperatures and no cold drafts.
• Humidity: 60–80%; moderate to high humidity supports healthy stem and root development along the climbing structure.
• Watering: Water thoroughly and allow the top layer of substrate to dry slightly between waterings; the succulent stems store some moisture but should not sit in waterlogged conditions.

Additional Notes

Best grown with a sturdy support or trellis to allow the climbing stems to develop; aerial roots attach readily to bark or moss poles. Hand pollination is required to produce vanilla pods in cultivation. Shipped as a well-established plant, ready to pot and train upon arrival.