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
expand_more
Dispatch:
Orders are dispatched on a rolling basis.
Most orders ship within 3–5 business days, depending on biosecurity processing, weather, and order size.
Express Shipping speeds up transit after dispatch only.
Biosecurity Fees:
WA & TAS: $20 per order
NT: $10 per order
Fees are included at checkout and cover mandatory plant health certification.
Important:
A physical address is required for certification (delivery to PO Boxes is still allowed).
Collectors Online operates independently from Collectors Corner.
