The Vanilla Orchid

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What you want to know about Vanilla Orchids


Orchids are flowers that through the time has a very high adaptability and survival; from the rain forest to the cold artic or even the hottest dessert. Hybrid Orchids have made easy the adaptation as well and massive production of Vanilla Pods in countries like Madagascar and Tahiti.

Watch this short video of how to hand pollinate Vanilla Orchids.




The Vanilla Pods that we use to cook or where the Vanilla Flavour is extracted, is the only fruit from an Orchid to be eatable or use for human consumption. The variety was Originally Vanilla Planifolia; Vanilla Pompona and Vanilla Tahitensis are also Varieties that are very competitive in the culinary world.
“Vanilla Planifolia, which is the source of the popular flavouring essence Vanillin and the seeds of a certain Australian species which are reputed to have been used as oral contraceptives”
(Quote from the Book The International Book of Orchids)


The Life of a Vanilla Orchid
  • ·         The Vanilla Orchid is a climber plant that needs a tutor or a tree, it can go up 30 meters long.
  • ·         The Flowering occurs when the Vanilla is ready to be reproduced.
  • ·         The flower has 5 beautiful petals that protect the reproductive system
  • ·         The flower is not eatable and the pollen irritates human skin
  • ·         The flower has no aroma
  • ·         A young Vanilla plant will give about 30 flowers, a mature one will give over 100 flowers in the Spring time
  • ·         The Vanilla Orchid is hermaphrodite (female and male organs in the same flower)
  • ·         Vanilla is not capable of self-pollination (needs an external agent to complete the fecundation)
  • ·         Vanilla Orchids they open just last for about 24 hours.
  • ·         Melipona Bee or hummingbirds are one of the few species that act as external agent
  • ·         If the fecundation was not successful the flower will fall the next day
  • ·         If Orchid is successfully pollinated the flower will close up and the fruit will to grow from the base
  • ·         The fruit will take up to 9 month to mature and be ready to be cut and then cured.

     Vanilla Orchids are beautiful and it was a great experience for me to learn how to pollinate the little and delicate flower. For more information browse in this Blog or follow it.

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