Vanilla orchid

Scientific Name: Vanilla planifolia Jacks. ex Andrews
Synonym: Vanilla fragrans, Vanilla vanilla
Family: Orchidaceae

Recommended Temperature Zone:
Sunset®: 23-24

Frost Tolerance: Need to be kept inside or in a greenhouse in winter

Sun Exposure: Light shade to shade

Origin: Mexico, Guatemala and other parts of Central America

Watering Needs: Regular water

There are about 60 or so species of Vanilla found throughout the tropical Americas including Florida and the Bahamas. All are vines, several are leafless. The Vanilla planifolia looks like a bright green fleshy vine.
The species name "planifolia" comes from the Latine for "flat-leaved".

Blooming Habits:
The greenish flowers are about 2 inches across.

Fruiting Habits:
Vanilla is the fully grown fruit of the orchid Vanilla fragrans harvested before it is fully ripe; then it is fermented and cured. The greenish flowers are about 2 inches across (5 cm). The fruits (pods) are about 6 to 9 inches long and usually referred to as vanilla beans. The vanilla plants starts producing fruit only when it is mature, generally larger than 10 feet.