this post was submitted on 22 Nov 2024
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Could vanilla orchids do well as a houseplant? I'm zone 7b/8a so I've had success playing around with semi tropical plants, but I don't have greenhouse space to overwinter frost intolerant plants.
I grew them in green houses for years. If you can keep the humidity high (60%+), they'll grow, but you'll won't get flowers.The leaves will be very diminished, and the plant less robust. Two things very different about vanilla compared to other orchids: they aren't an epiphyte; and they grow as a vine.
Typically, in the wild (and many of my cuttings are from 'adventures' to abandoned plantations) Vanilla has a "grow and fall over" vegetative habit. It grows tendrils down to the soil (which turn to accessory roots) following a support plant or structure. Its also extremely apically dominant. It barely branches, and it really, really wants to grow 'straight up'. It takes a substantial amount of training to get them to grow sideways. That was many words to say they do best in high humidity, regular potting soil, and need lots of space (especially vertically).
If you are still interested let me know or DM me. I'd be happy to send some cuttings.
Thanks for the detailed response. I intentially dehumidify our living spaces so I don't think I have a spot that would match your stated requirements for the time being. I will definitely bookmark your comment in case my dreams of installing a greenhouse come to fruition in the next couple years.
Yeah, I had to run mine with lights and humidifiers.
Legit, I've always loved the idea of orchids, but I know they have a reputation, and I'm... forgetful at best.