I have had to make larger lattices for some of mine, Elaine. The vanilla orchid vines just got too large and long for the small lattices they were growing on. I used cane that is about 3/8-1/2" thick, and these lattices are 18-20" tall. I also went ahead and re-potted those that needed the larger lattices, and have them in 6" or 8" clay pots, needing the weight of the pot to keep them from tipping over.
I have a feeling that the vanilla orchid plants will take a lot of sun, though they may have to be acclimated. Surely, those grown commercially are in full sun or at least mostly sun. Since this was my first time to try my hand at growing them, I am going on "instinct" rather than experience right now. From what I have read, vanilla orchid plants are somewhat difficult to grow, but so far, mine have done well. I am using a more open, better draining media when I re-pot them. I am using 1/2 milled sphagnum and the other 1/2 is equal parts expanded rock and medium Douglas fir bark.
