Vanilla
Vanilla planifolia
- Native to:
- Belize, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guam, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Palau, Panamá, Puerto Rico, United States, Virgin Islands
Malcolm Manners (www.flickr.com) from Lakeland FL, USA
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Orchidaceae
- Genus:
- Vanilla
- Species:
- Vanilla planifolia
- USDA Symbol:
- VAPL2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Vine
- Height:
- 1500 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow, green
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★★★★★ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- native to tropical forests, prefers organic matter
Propagation & Germination
- Notes:
- Dust seeds require symbiotic mycorrhizal fungi or sterile asymbiotic agar medium for germination; conventional cold stratification is not applicable.