Vanilla planifolia
(Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla, Vanilla Orchid, Vanilla fragrans)

Origin:  Native of Guatemala, southeast Mexico
Family:  Orchidaceae
Light:  Filtered/light shade
Length:  Can reach 40'
Blooms: 2" across, greenish, after few years of growth, when mature, mid-Spring
Foliage:  Herbaceous, green, thick, fleshy, waxy
Fruits:  Yellow beans, 6-9" long, large, fruit matures in 9 months
Soil:  Humusy, wrap roots with moist sphagnum moss
Water:  Regular, allow soil to dry between waterings
Fertilizer:  Orchid fertilizer weekly
Uses:  Ornamental, hanging basket, container
Propagation:  Seeds/cuttings

Comments:  Vanilla planifolia or Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla or Vanilla Orchid or Vanilla fragrans is a tropical epiphyte with a vining growth habit. It is a native of Guatemala and southeast Mexico.  Vanilla planifolia produces bloom after a few years of growth, and needs to be hand pollinated to develop into a large yellow beanpod over a period of 9 months.  In the right environment, Vanilla Orchid can reach as long as 100'.  Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla has thick, fleshy, waxy green foliage.  It is easily propagated from cuttings or seeds.  Vanilla Orchid cutting is easy to grow and performs best in filtered or light shade.  It likes well-drained, rich, humusy soil with sphagnum moss wrapped around its roots.  Ideally, Vanilla fragrans would enjoy high humidity and day temperatures of between 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit and night time temperature of between 60-67 degrees Fahrenheit.  Warmth and moisture and pollination are necessary for it to bear fruits.  Allow Vanilla planifolia to climb up a support.  Fertilize weekly with orchid fertilizer for optimum growth.  Fruits have to go through a process of drying, curing or oven heating to produce the Vanilla flavor.  The popular Vanilla fruit pieces soaked in hot alcohol produces the popular Vanilla extract. 

USDA Zones:  10-11