Planting a vanilla orchid

The vanilla orchid Vanilla planifolia will only need the potting medium to support it until it has established itself on the real support (e.g. the trunk of a tree). You can for instance use bark or moss as potting medium. Pebbles will also work; the most important factor is that the potting medium drains well and prevents water from lingering.

In the wild, Vanilla planifolia uses trees and similar to cling on for support. In our homes, we have to provide it with similar structures to grow on. As soon as it has become established it will produce plenty of aerial roots capable of absorbing water as well as nutrients.