new vanilla orchid

[merkity]

just got myself a new little vanilla orchid. Had the choice between the plain green or this dual color, and since i am not expecting blooms for a few years or so, thought i would take the one with the more interesting leaves. Not quite sure what family of orchids these belong to? i know they normally grow up trees with their little air roots but not much else about them...this one is currently living in my bathroom with strong indirect light all day. the window is frosted so the sun can't shine right through but its roughly southeast facing.

[kindrag23]

I know to get them to create the actual vanilla beans it takes a lot of work. Also with proper care they can grow up towards 7.5 feet. Have fun it looks super super healthy.

[Daethen]

Actually they can get way bigger than 7.5 feet. They are a vine so they are pretty unlimited. I bought this same variety plus the white/green variegated one and the plain green one.

[annabanana1987]

Love the color ! I have just little clippings a d mine are doimg ok
But. Not a lot. .maybe its not their growing schedule

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[rwakefie]

Yep... They can approach 100 feet. I have lots of vanilla. Likely, they won't bloom until they're over 10 feet.

[merkity]

this little guy is growing fast right now - it seems to love its bathroom window location. unfortunately - i don't think i will be able to keep it there long term - its going to get too big. its quite happily branching on one of the growths.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I will answer the question nobody has addressed.

I don't know if you still care or not, but Vanilla is its own family.

The orchid families go like so:

Epidendroideae (the one that everybody is most familiar with)
Cypripedioideae ("Slipper Orchid Family")
Orchidoideae (stuff that look similar to Habenaria or Disa)
Apostasiodeae ("Basal Orchids")
Vanilloideae (the Vanillas)

[merkity]

hmm guess that makes sense - they are only ones that vine like this right? my main goal of course is to keep the plant happy and growing...

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Vanilla aren't necessarily the only orchids that grow in the manner of a vine, but they are vining type orchids.

I was merely answering a question that was asked and not addressed yet.

I think yours is Vanilla planifolia.

Grow intermediate to warm (55 F - 95 F).

Moderate to high humidity (60% - 100%).

Moderate air circulation.

For your species - moderately bright to bright indirect light.

They do get extremely large and bloom when they are rather large.

Apparently they are native to Mexico, but found throughout the tropics because they are cultivated for the food industry as well as the orchid hobby.

[merkity]

perfect - i was definitely surprised when i first realized that vanilla beans came from an orchid and the long process to get a vanilla bean.