This is the latest and most exceptional strain of Phalaenopsis gigantea from Mr. Jiaho Huang, developed using two of his finest varieties. This new strain features robust plants with large, waxy, long-lasting, and fragrant flowers that exhibit outstanding color and form.
Native to Sabah, Borneo, and Sarawak, Phal. gigantea thrives in lowland to hill forests at elevations of up to 1,300 feet. Commonly known as the “Gigantic Phalaenopsis,” this species is renowned for its enormous leaves, which can grow up to three feet long in nature. It is a large, warm- to hot-growing understory epiphyte with 5 to 6 pendulous, leathery, glossy, bluish-green leaves. While it can bloom at any time of the year, flowering primarily occurs in late summer to early fall. The 6- to 15-inch pendulous inflorescence bears numerous sweetly fragrant flowers with small, triangular bracts. Each round, fleshy flower measures 1.5 to 2.75 inches in diameter and displays a striking yellow hue adorned with closely spaced red spots. The inflorescence remains green and can continue flowering for several years, so it should not be removed unless it turns brown and dries out. Due to its extremely slow growth, Phal. gigantea requires 8 to 12 years to reach blooming size, contributing to its rarity and high value.
Although demanding, Phal. gigantea is not excessively difficult to cultivate—provided its specific growing conditions are met. It prefers lower light levels than its relatives in the subgenus Polychilos (e.g., Phal. cornu-cervi, Phal. violacea, Phal. bellina, and Phal. amboinensis). Ideal temperatures range from 85°F during the day to 75°F at night, with humidity levels maintained between 70-75%—though naturally, humidity is even higher in its native habitat. Sphagnum moss is the recommended growing medium, along with the regular application of highly diluted foliar fertilizer. Since its roots are highly sensitive to fertilizer salts, excessive fertilization can lead to leaf tip burn. To promote proper drainage and minimize the risk of crown rot, tilting the pot at a 30-45° angle is advisable. If repotting is necessary, it should be done when new roots begin to grow.
Consistently high moisture levels are crucial for Phal. gigantea. It should be kept moist year-round using room-temperature water (around 70°F). However, due to its extreme susceptibility to rot, watering should be done early in the morning to allow the plant to dry quickly. Proper air circulation is essential to prevent moisture buildup between its long leaves. This species does not undergo a dormancy period and is intolerant of significant temperature fluctuations.
A prized addition to any novelty Phalaenopsis breeding program, Phal. gigantea is a must-have for species enthusiasts and lovers of fragrant orchids.
#phal #rare #species #newstrain #fragrant #waxy #longlasting #freeblooming #compact #vigorous #breedingprogram #hybridingprogram #multispike #robust
PLEASE NOTE: Since this is a Seedling Population (not a Mericlone which produces exact duplicates), the picture is for illustration purposes only. No two plants will be the same from this cross, and they will flower in a range of possibilities coming from the two parents.