Vanilla Bean Orchid | Vanilla planifolia | Tropical Climbing Vine for Gourmet Vanilla Beans

The Vanilla Bean Orchid (Vanilla planifolia) is a tropical climbing vine renowned for producing the world's most prized vanilla beans. Native to Mexico and Central America, this exotic orchid can grow 10 to 30 feet and live for decades with proper care, indoors or out.

At a glance

• Botanical name: Vanilla planifolia
• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Water: Regular; warm, humid conditions
• Humidity: Thrives in warm, humid climates
• Mature size: 10 to 30 feet; can live for decades
• Flowers: Fragrant, creamy-white to pale yellow
• Type: Edible climbing orchid vine

Best for

• Greenhouses and warm, humid gardens
• Indoor growing with bright, indirect light
• Training on a support or trellis
• Collectors and gourmet growers
• Home production of vanilla beans

How to grow

Grow in warm, humid conditions with bright, indirect light, and provide a support for the vine to climb. The fragrant flowers must be hand-pollinated to set vanilla pods, which are then cured to develop their aroma.

Flavor profile

After hand-pollination and curing, the pods release a rich, warm, and sweet vanilla aroma, perfect for baking and culinary use.

About Everglades Farm

Everglades Farm is a Florida nursery growing healthy, exotic vines for gardeners who want to cultivate their own gourmet vanilla.