A grower suggested to me that it works rather well when you make a spiral of
wire that spirals inward and is wrapped in sphagnum or the like. You need
to be consistent in directing the growth but if you're careful you can get a
full sized vanilla planifolia on a spiral about four feet (1.5 meters)
across. This is quite a bit bigger than the run of the mill masdevalia but
still manageable. I have one in my small greenhouse providing some
additional shade for the Phals. It grows fast (for an orchid) but is still
no race horse. Think of it as a strange Philodendron. Fruit will be about
as likely!
Dave
"Tracey" wrote in message
...
But it makes me curious, I think I'll buy one
this summer.

You might want to think about whether you have the room
or not. I'm growing a couple of vanilla orchids and they
get very long very fast. I have read that they won't bloom
until they are 20-25 feet long. I have one that is in a
shallow planter, wrapped around and around the planter.
I would estimate it's a good 12-15 feet and still no sign
of a flower, just more vining.

Tracey