A vining orchid; it is the source of vanilla beans and their derivative vanilla extract. Winter flowering, the white and greenish/yellow flowers need to be hand pollinated. The flowers last only one day and if not hand pollinated that morning they fall off the next day. The bean can take up to 18 months to ripen. The thick waxy leaves grow up to eight inches long - one of the easiest orchids to grow. They grow quickly when temperatures reach 80 to 95 degrees with high humidity. Over the winter growth will slow and they need to be kept on the dry side(don't let it sit in a soggy media) although they will appreciate misting. Prefers bright indirect light.