Leafy Vanilla
Vanilla phaeantha
- Native to:
- Bahamas, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Mexico, Panamá, Trinidad-Tobago, United States, Windward Is.
iNaturalist: © aidancampos (iNaturalist #144174775)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Orchidaceae
- Genus:
- Vanilla
- Species:
- Vanilla phaeantha
- USDA Symbol:
- VAPH
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Vine
- Height:
- 1500 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jan,feb,mar,apr,may
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow, green
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers organic matter-rich environments
Propagation & Germination
- Notes:
- Orchid seeds require mycorrhizal fungi for germination; typically propagated vegetatively from cuttings.