Growing Vanilla Plants

Vanilla Orchids are the source of vanilla beans, these are a tropical to sub tropical growing orchid. Vanilla is nearly as expensive as Saffron. Most of the worlds Vanilla beans are grown in Madagascar, Indonesia and Malaysia.

As mentioned Vanilla plants are actually a tropical Orchid , 'Vanilla planifolia' is the most commonly grown and it is a plant that requires appropriate conditions to grow successfully. To grow Vanilla bean plants you will need a tropical climate, bright filtered light and high humidity. So in Australia we are looking at far North Queensland, or a Hothouse. However.... if you are keen, give it a go, just remember warmth, humidity, strong filtered light.

Vanilla Bean Plants (Vanilla planifolia) or Vanilla Orchid.

Vanilla beans come from the vanilla orchid either Vanilla planifolia, Bourbon vanilla. Vanilla tahitensis,Tahitian vanilla. Plants can be grown in the home garden in warmer climates or in Hothouses in cooler areas.

The sap from Vanilla Bean plants is a skin irritant and may cause dermatitis. Vanilla Plants or Vanilla Orchids are available for sale from participating nurseries