How to Make a Vanilla Orchid Plant Bloom

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Vanilla orchids are made to bloom, so if yours isn't blooming, something may be wrong. These tropical plants have extremely specific water, fertilizer, sunlight, temperature, and humidity preferences. They won't bloom without them. Make the changes to the location of the plant, the feeding schedule or the environment to closely match what the plant needs, and beautiful green, blue, or white plants will be your reward.

Steps

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/88\/Make-a-Vanilla-Orchid-Plant-Bloom-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-a-Vanilla-Orchid-Plant-Bloom-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/88\/Make-a-Vanilla-Orchid-Plant-Bloom-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/aid2737653-v4-728px-Make-a-Vanilla-Orchid-Plant-Bloom-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Unfortunately, vanilla orchids cannot bloom until they are three years old. If yours is younger than three, it will not bloom and cannot be rushed.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/23\/Make-a-Vanilla-Orchid-Plant-Bloom-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-a-Vanilla-Orchid-Plant-Bloom-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/23\/Make-a-Vanilla-Orchid-Plant-Bloom-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/aid2737653-v4-728px-Make-a-Vanilla-Orchid-Plant-Bloom-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    • If they are dark green, that means they are getting too much sun exposure. Move the plant to a less sunny area.
    • If the leaves are yellow or even a brown color, this means that there is not enough sun exposure. Try moving it to a sunnier spot, such as a window ledge.
    • If the leaves are a light green, that means there is a perfect amount of sunlight reaching it. The incorrect amount of sunlight can inhibit the blooming.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2d\/Make-a-Vanilla-Orchid-Plant-Bloom-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-a-Vanilla-Orchid-Plant-Bloom-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2d\/Make-a-Vanilla-Orchid-Plant-Bloom-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/aid2737653-v4-728px-Make-a-Vanilla-Orchid-Plant-Bloom-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Vanilla orchids require fifty percent humidity in order to bloom.
    • If the air seems too dry, try placing the plant on a tray and fill the tray with water so that the air fills with humidity as the water evaporates. Top off the tray as often as needed, to ensure the tray has standing water in it at all times.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bf\/Make-a-Vanilla-Orchid-Plant-Bloom-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-a-Vanilla-Orchid-Plant-Bloom-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bf\/Make-a-Vanilla-Orchid-Plant-Bloom-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/aid2737653-v4-728px-Make-a-Vanilla-Orchid-Plant-Bloom-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Orchids require a temperature of 70 °F (21 °C) during the day but allow a ten degree drop in the evening in order to bloom properly. Set your indoor temperature controls to make sure the temperature is set just right for proper blooming of your orchid plant.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/57\/Make-a-Vanilla-Orchid-Plant-Bloom-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-a-Vanilla-Orchid-Plant-Bloom-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/57\/Make-a-Vanilla-Orchid-Plant-Bloom-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/aid2737653-v4-728px-Make-a-Vanilla-Orchid-Plant-Bloom-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This plays a huge role in the proper blooming of Vanilla orchids.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/00\/Make-a-Vanilla-Orchid-Plant-Bloom-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-a-Vanilla-Orchid-Plant-Bloom-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/00\/Make-a-Vanilla-Orchid-Plant-Bloom-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/aid2737653-v4-728px-Make-a-Vanilla-Orchid-Plant-Bloom-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Cut back on fertilization every six months when the orchid grows more slowly. Under-fertilization will result in no blooming at all or just a few small blooms.
    7. Advertisement


Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How long does it take to get a vanilla bean>
    Jacob Forbes
    Community Answer
    You need to allow approximately 3-4 years after planting 8 nodes of a vanilla cutting before a flower will appear. The flower must be hand pollinated, usually by midday on the day that the flower appears (the flower last for only a few hours). The bean that results from that pollinated flower will mature in 9 months. The curing process takes 3-4 weeks, and then the bean is ready for use.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 18
  • Question
    What do I do if my orchid has many flowers, but I am not getting any beans?
    Harvey
    Community Answer
    This means that it is not being pollinated. Hand-pollinate the flower by using a toothpick or chopstick to gently brush together the male and female parts of the flower (the only natural pollinator of the vanilla orchid is a single bee species endemic to Mexico). The beans will mature in about 8-9 months, turning slightly yellow at one end.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 5
  • Question
    What fertilizer is needed for my vanilla orchid plant?
    Community Answer
    Many fertilizers may be used. A 20-20-20 fertilizer is fine; a fertilizer with nitrate nitrogen would be best, but not required. I would suggest the "weakly weekly" option when it comes to watering any orchid, accompanied by a monthly watering with no fertilizer (a flush). Use 1/5 to 1/4 the recommend amount through the growing season (late spring - early fall). Reduce the fertilizing frequency down to once a month or not at all through winter. If you're in the tropics, you may be able to fertilize year-round.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 5
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • 20-20-20 liquid fertilizer
      • Quality watering can
      • Room thermometer
      • Humidity Gauge
      • Humidity tray

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Plant Flowers
      How to
      Prune Orchids
      How to Take Care of Potted Orchids
      How to
      Revive an Orchid Plant
      Easy Steps to Get an Orchid to Flower Again
      How to Plant and Grow Orchids
      How to
      Transplant Orchids
      How to Grow and Care For Miniature Orchids at Home
      How to
      Repot an Orchid
      How to
      Grow Vanilla
      How to
      Care for a Dendrobium Orchid
      When and How to Water an Orchid
      How to
      Grow Orchids Outside
      How to Save an Orchid from Root Rot (and Stop It From Coming Back)
      Advertisement

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 44,924 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Alan Zytowski

        Nov 25, 2019

        "I have raised orchids, catleya and vanilla planifolia for many years. I have had vanilla bloom and produce vanilla ..." more
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement