Description
Grow your own Vanilla. The spice Vanilla is indeed an orchid, actually the only orchid in the family that is really used in any commercial way. Which is saying a lot since it is one of the largest families of flowering plants. Vanilla is also one of the few true vines in the orchid family. The succulent vining stems have thick leaves, as it races up the support the vines will need tying. Once the vine is large and in a lot of sun, it can flower. The white flower is a classic orchid flower with a bigger lip similar to Cattleyas, with a heavenly perfume of Vanilla of course. The flower itself only lasts a few days. The Vanilla pod, is the fertilized seed pod left after the flower. The pod is then dried for use as a spice. While it is unlikely that you can flower the plant in the home, it is an excellent conversation piece.
