Growing guide · Houseplant

Vanilla planifolia

How to grow Vanilla Orchid.

An orchid that climbs, and might flavor dessert.

Light
Bright indirect
Water
Moderate
Zones
Indoors, any
Size
Vine 8–15 ft long indoors
Pot
One plant per pot, with a 4–6 ft support.
Pets
Not on the ASPCA pet-safe list; keep it out of reach
See sizes · from $199.95
Vanilla orchid vine with thick, glossy green leaves climbing a support

Light

Bright, indirect light: an east window, or a few feet back from a south one. Direct midday sun burns the leaves.

Water

Keep the mix lightly moist, never soggy. It wants 60% humidity or more; mist or run a humidifier.

Pot and soil

Loose orchid mix with bark and perlite. Tie the vine to the support until its aerial roots grab on.

Pot it inRosy Orchid Mix · 4 qtBark and pumice, so roots dry out between drinks. 4 qt repots 2–3 plants. Peat-free, by Rosy Soil

Feeding

Dilute orchid fertilizer every two weeks, spring through fall.

Grooming

Loop long vines back down the support instead of cutting. Plants usually bloom once the vine reaches the top and hangs down.

Through the year

Grows spring through fall. Keep it above 60°F all winter and water a little less.

If something's off

Soft yellow leaves mean too wet or too cold. Brown tips mean dry air. Flowers drop without beans unless pollinated by hand the morning they open.

Plays well with

Plant it with friends.

White Dragon Fruit
Selenicereus undatusWhite Dragon Fruit from $129.95
Variegated Sea Hibiscus
Hibiscus tiliaceusVariegated Sea Hibiscus from $349.95

Why we stock it: A conversation plant with a long-term payoff.

That's the whole guide. Thanks for reading.

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