LIGHT: 2500-4000fc. Growers differ in the amount of light Vanilla neds to be healthy. They recommend anything from very bright light to filtered or diffused light to partial or (50%) shade. Some growers believe that bright light is needed to initiate blooms, but commercial growers often grow plants under a rainforest canopy, which suggest rather low light. If a cultivated plant as been growing in the shade, light should be increased very gradually or the heavy leaves may burn. Growers suggest placing Vanilla at the south end of a greenhouse and allowing the vines to climb into the rafters. Air movement through the leaves will help prevent disease and sunburn. --Charles Baker
TEMPERATURE: Throughout the year, days average 82-85F (28-29C), and nights average 68-73F (20-23C), with a diurnal range of 11-14F (6-8C). Because of the wide range in habitat elevations, Vanilla should adapt to conditions 6-8F (3-4C) cooler than those shown in the climate table, but the microclimate probably protects it from cold nights or extreme fluctuation between day and night temperatures. --Charles Baker
HUMIDITY: 85-90% most of the year, dropping to 80-85% for about 3 months in late winter and early spring. WATER: Rainfall is heavy most of the year with a slightly drier month in late winter or early spring, but it is never truly dry. Cultivated plants should be watered heavily while actively growing, but drainage must be excellent and conditions around the roots should never become stale or soggy. Growers report that stressing a mature plant, when it is a least 10-12ft. (3-4m) long, by letting the plant get drier between waterings for a few weeks will often initiate blooms. A dry period will not initiate blooms if the plant is immature. Water should be reduced anytime light is low or temperatures are cool. --Charles Baker
FERTILIZER: 1/4-1/2 recommended strength, applied weekly. Many growers use a balanced fertilizer all year, but prefer a higher nitrogen fertilizer during periods of active growth. Charles Baker