The vanilla vine is a climbing orchid which produces the aromatic vanilla pods used in flavoring and perfume.  The plants are self-fertile but the flowers must be hand pollinated in order for them to produce vanilla pods.

The stigma of the large yellow/ green flowers is receptive to pollen for around 12 hours.  Pollinated flowers will develop into the vanilla pod which takes around 9 months to mature. If left unpollinated the flowers will drop off.

Vanilla is a tropical/ sub subtropical plant but it can be grown as an indoor plant in cooler climates.   It is an epiphytic climbing plant that prefers a light shade position and high humidity.

Plant in a well-drained media or orchid mix with a coir totem for the vine to grow on.