Q: Which orchid is responsible for producing the vanilla bean?

A: The fruit of vanilla is botanically called a capsule, although we often refer to it as a bean. Many species of vanilla produce vanillin, the active ingredient in vanilla, but Vanilla planifolia yields the highest quality flavoring and is the on most used in commercial production. Since Vanilla is a vine and does not flower until quite large it is not the best plant for growing in the home. Give these plants bright light (40 to 50% full sun), night temperatures of around 60F, 50 to 80% humidity and fertilize regularly.