Vanilla
Vanilla planifolia
- Native to:
- Belize, 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:
- 3000 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow, green, cream
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, hummingbirds
- 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
- Stratification:
- None required
- Notes:
- Seeds rarely germinate without symbiotic mycorrhizal fungi; commercial propagation is typically via stem cuttings.