Climate

• Tropical orchid requiring a warm climate with frequent rains
• Altitude: 1,500 m above msl.
• Annual rainfall : 150-300 cm.
• The rainfall should be well distributed for a period of 9 months in a year with a distinct dry period of at least 3 months for flowering.
• Favourable temperature: 10-30° C.
• Uncleared jungle areas are ideal for establishing vanilla plantations.
• In such locations, it would be necessary to retain the natural shade provided by lofty trees and to leave the soil or the rich humus layer on the top undisturbed.
• It requires filtered sunlight.
• In the absence of natural shade, trees should be grown to provide shade.

Soil

• Cultivated on varied type of soils from sandy loam to laterites.
• Vanilla grows well in well-drained, sandy loam soil, rich in humus with pH ranging between 6 and 7 and on a gently sloping land.