The Gigantic Phalaenopsis is native to Sabah (Merutai area and Tiger Mountain) in the northern part of Borneo, where it is a rare plant and threatened with extinction. They are also found on the western side of the Crocker Mountain in Sarawak and West Kalimantan. Recently, this orchid was found in the original forests of Java and is reportedly easy to grow at an altitude of 152 m.
Phalaenopsis gigantea orchid, also called as The Gigantic Phalaenopsis (refers to the large leaves), Phalaenopsis gigantea f. decolorata, Phalaenopsis gigantea var. aurea, Phalaenopsis gigantea var. decolorata, Polychilos gigantean, is a species of the genus Phalaenopsis. This species was described by Johannes Jacobus Smith in 1909.
IDENTIFY PHALAENOPSIS GIGANTEA ORCHID
The Gigantic Phalaenopsis is native to Sabah (Merutai area and Tiger Mountain) in the northern part of Borneo, where it is a rare plant and threatened with extinction. They are also found on the western side of the Crocker Mountain in Sarawak and West Kalimantan. Recently, this orchid was found in the original forests of Java and is reportedly easy to grow at an altitude of 152 m.
It is a large sized, warm to hot growing, understory epiphyte has short stems completely enveloped by persistent, imbricating leaf sheaths and carrying 5 to 6, pendulous, leathery, shiny on both sides, elliptic to oblong-ovate, shiny, bluish green, obtuse leaves. The leaves growing in nature are 56-91 cm long.
Phalaenopsis gigantea can bloom at any time but mostly in the late summer and early fall on a 6 to 15" (15 to 40 cm) long, racemose or paniculate, pendulous, many flowered inflorescence with small, triangular bracts and sweetly fragrant, simultaneously opening flowers. The flowers are 3.8-7.0 cm in diameter, star-shaped and are fleshy. They may be greenish white to yellow, with closely spaced brown or chestnut spots. The white lip has bright reddish-purple spots.
The inflorescence if still green and undamaged can flower for several seasons so it is best to leave them on.
GROW AND CARE PHALAENOPSIS GIGANTEA ORCHID
Phalaenopsis gigantea grows extremely slowly, susceptible to disease, difficult to reproduce and needs 8-12 years to bloom. It is a very demanding plant with strict requirements for growing conditions.
Light:
This plant needs a light level of 8000-10000 lux. A very shady position is recommended.
Temperature:
The average temperature of the day is 30-31 ° C, night 22-24 ° C giving a daily difference of 7-9 ° C. The average temperature of the winter day is 30-31 ° C, night 22-24 ° C, giving a daily difference of 7-8 ° C. Average upper temperatures of 27-28 ° C and lower 21-23 ° C are recommended.
Humidity:
The Gigantic Phalaenopsis needs the humidity of 70-75%. In a natural habitat, the humidity is higher, but higher levels of moisture in the habitat may increase the risk of disease.
Substrate, growing media and repotting:
You can use live sphagnum as a substrate, regular use of highly diluted fish fertilizer as a foliar fertilizer. Chemical fertilizers in this case can not be used, this will lead to the death of the substrate. You can also use a substrate from the bark. Another tip that may can help you is tilting the pot at an angle of 30-45 ° to ensures good drainage. Repotting is best done when new roots begin to grow.
Watering:
Phalaenopsis gigantea should be constantly moist throughout the year. It is recommended to use warm water at a temperature of about 21 ° C. This orchid is extremely susceptible to rotting; plants should be watered early in the morning and must dry quickly. The constant movement of air between the long leaves is very important.
Fertilizer:
Foliar fertilization with very low concentration of fish manure is recommended (0.1 teaspoon per 3.8 liters of water). If the plant is grown in cortical substrate, weekly use of 1/4-1/2 dose of fertilizer for orchids in the summer is recommended.
Rest period:
In winter there is only a slightly smaller daily difference of temperature. Plants should not be exposed to large temperature fluctuations.
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