Vanilla Bean Orchid

Vanilla plantifolia, also known as the vanilla bean orchid, is known for its seed pods. These pods are used across the world in natural flavoring as vanilla. While it is a challenge to promote the pods, the attractive green foliage is a statement on its own. This plant is an epiphyte, growing latched onto another plant in a symbiotic relationship, often growing upwards in a zigzag fashion until it reaches maturity. These plants require a significant level of care and grow best in a greenhouse environment. The grower must exhibit a level of patience as it takes several years (3-5) for the plant to reach maturity. They grow best in bright, but filtered, light or shade, and high humidity. If you're looking to harvest all of your own organic vanilla, this is the plant for the serious gardener.