Paphiopedilum gigantifolium is native to Sulawesi. It grows on steep ravines with heavy shade at elevations of 700 to 1000 meters always near running water.
Paphiopedilum gigantifolium also called as The Giant-Leaf Paphiopedilum, Paphiopedilum ayubii, is a species of the genus Paphiopedilum. This species was described by Braem, M.L.Baker & C.O.Baker in 1997.
IDENTIFY PAPHIOPEDILUM GIGANTIFOLIUM ORCHID PLANT
Paphiopedilum gigantifolium is native to Sulawesi. It grows on steep ravines with heavy shade at elevations of 700 to 1000 meters always near running water.
It is a warm growing terrestrial with green, 60 cm long, 8 cm wide fleshy, rigid leaves. This species is easily distinguished from all others species in the genus by number of floral features and by its overall floral morphology, especially by the curious reflexed petals, the position of the dorsal and by the morphology of the staminode and the staminodal shield.
The Giant-Leaf Paphiopedilum blooms in the spring and early summer on an erect, green, densly pubescent, 50-70 cm long inflorescence with successively opening 4 to 6 flowers held well above the leaves. The beautiful large flowers are in colors of dark mahogany, yellow and chocolate with spiraling petals. Dorsal sepals are green with the prominent veins of the basal 1/3-1/2 purple. The outer surface densely covered by dark reddish-brown bristles. Synsepal are green with 2 majors veins purple. Lateral petals are yellowish-green, covered with multiple, irregular reddish-brown spots.
PAPHIOPEDILUM GIGANTIFOLIUM ORCHID PLANT CARE AND CULTURE
Cultural information should only be used as a guide, and should be to be adapted to suit you. Your physical location; where you grow your plants, how much time you have to devote to their care, and many other factors, will need to be taken into account. Only then can you decide on the cultural methods that best suit you and your plants.
Light:
Paphiopedilum gigantifolium needs a light level of 12000-18000 lux. The light should be greatly filtered or diffused. The plant should never be exposed to direct midday sun.
Temperature:
Throughout the year, the recommended temperature should be at 27-28°C in daytime and 19-20°C in nighttime with diurnal range of 13-15°C.
Humidity:
The Giant-Leaf Paphiopedilum need the humidity of 80% all year round. Strong air movement should be ensured at all times.
Substrate, growing media and repotting:
Paphiopedilum gigantifolium can be grown in a heavy, relative shallow clay pot with a wide base with a very open, well drained media that remains moist but not soggy. The addition of sphagnum should beneficial, especially for plants grown in drier areas with low humidity.
The plant should be repotted before the medium break down or become sour. Repotting is done every year in anytime, but usually best done in autumn or winter so the plant has a chance to recover and re-established without additional stress.
Watering:
The plant should be watered often while actively growing, but drainage should be excellent and conditions around the roots should never be allowed to become slate or soggy.
Fertilizer:
1/4-1/2 recommended strength, applied weekly when the plants are actively growing. You can use balanced fertilizer throughout the year, but also can use a high-nitrogen fertilizer from spring to midsummer, then switch to one high in phosphates in late summer and autumn.
Rest period:
Paphiopedilum gigantifolium does not need a period of rest. Growing conditions should be maintained all year. Water may be reduced somewhat for plants grown in the dark, short day conditions in lower latitudes, but they should not be allowed to dry out completely.
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