Jenny's Garden...Plant images and gardening descriptions

Vanilla planifolia 'Variegata'
(Variegated Vanilla Orchid, Variegated Vanilla fragrans)

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Image shows the nice foliage variegation of Vanilla planifolia 'Variegata' or Variegated Vanilla Orchid or Vanilla fragrans

Vanilla planifolia 'Variegata'
 (Variegated Vanilla Orchid, Variegated Vanilla fragrans)

Family:  Orchidaceae (Orchid)
Origin:  Native to Mexico, northern South America, West Indies
Light:  Medium-high light
Height:  Can reach 30'
Spacing:  4-6
"
Blooms:  Fragrant, 2" across, chartreuse, partly opened, late Spring-Summer 
Foliage:  Variegated, irregular yellow and green stripes, thick, glossy, flat, smooth
Seedpod:  6-9" long, yellowish-green bean-like pods turn dark brown when ripe
Soil:  Well-drained, moist, (ph: 6.6-7.5, neutral)
Water:  Regular, rainwater would be perfect 
Propagation:  Stem cuttings (place cuttings 1-2 weeks in a shady area before planting)
Uses:  Container,  pole, up a tree, indoor 
Comments: 
Vanilla planifolia 'Variegata' or Variegated Vanilla Orchid or Variegated Vanilla fragrans is a fast growing tropical perennial climber that produces edible fruits.   From May through August, a mature plant over 10 feet produces beautiful yellowish-green flowers it produces fragrant chartreuse flowers that are partly opened.  Vanilla planifolia 'Variegata' is easily propagated from stem cuttings taken at the nodes where the aerial root show.  It performs well ideally at temperatures between mid-70's to high 80's and enjoys high humidity.  In its conducive environment, Variegated Vanilla Orchid can climb as high as 30 feet by means of its aerial roots often up barks of trees, poles, shrubs or rocks.  The bean-like fruits which has to be harvested before it fully ripens.  Vanilla planifolia 'Variegata' beans are fragrant and the spice Vanilla Essence is  is made from this plant; it is an expensisve spice due to its long process from plant to manufactured product.  Vanilla is commonly used in baking, perfumery and aromatherapy.  In colder areas, Variegated Vanilla fragrans does not tolerate frost and has to be brought indoors for the Winter.  This plant is sterile and has to be hand pollinated.  Vanilla planifolia 'Variegata' is a beautiful plant to have and does not demand much attention.  Interestingly, its name Vanilla comes from the Spanish word for the spice Vanialla which means  little pod' while 'planifolia' is a Latin word for 'flat-leaved'.
USDA Hardiness Zones :  10-11

 
Vanilla planifolia 'Variegata'  (Variegated Vanilla Orchid, Variegated Vanilla fragrans) plant is for sale at -
JENNYS GARDEN PLANTS FOR SALE