Vanilla planifolia is a vigorous climbing orchid best known as the primary source of natural vanilla. Grown for both its lush vining habit and its unusual greenish-yellow flowers, this species is well suited to warm indoor spaces, greenhouses, or tropical-style shade houses.
Plants produce thick, fleshy vines that require support and consistent care. Flowering occurs only on mature plants, with each bloom opening for a single day.
Care
Light: Bright filtered light; avoid direct midday sun
Water: Keep evenly moist during active growth; reduce slightly in cooler months
Temperature: Warm-growing; ideally 18–30 °C
Humidity: High humidity preferred
Growing Media: Free-draining orchid mix or mounted with regular watering
Feeding: Light, regular feeding during the growing season
Support: Requires trellis, pole, or tree support for climbing
Key Characteristics
Flower Colour: Pale green to yellow-green
Flower Size: Medium-sized orchid flowers
Flowering Season: Spring to summer (on mature plants)
Fragrance: Light, subtle
Plant Habit: Vigorous climbing vine
Maturity: Flowers only on well-established plants
Shipping and Biosecurity Information
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Dispatch:
Orders are processed in scheduled weekly runs.
VIC, QLD, NSW, SA & ACT: Sunday 11:59 pm cut-off. Orders are generally prepared from Monday and dispatched by Thursday. Allow up to 9 working days for processing.
WA, TAS & NT: Thursday 11:59 pm cut-off for Friday treatment. Orders are generally prepared from Monday and dispatched by Thursday. Allow up to 10 working days for treatment, certification and processing.
Dispatch dates are not guaranteed and may be affected by biosecurity requirements, weather, public holidays, order volumes and plant preparation.
Express Shipping speeds up transit after dispatch only. It does not speed up processing, treatment or certification.
Biosecurity Fees:
WA & TAS: $20 per order
NT: $10 per order
Fees are included at checkout and help cover mandatory plant treatment and health certification.
Important:
Where certification is required, a physical address must be supplied for traceability. Delivery to a PO Box is still allowed.
Collectors Online operates independently from Collectors Corner.
