In 2020, we released Phal. gigantea ('King' x f. alba 'Ta-Wei' JC/TOGA)—the intriguing new strain created by Mr. Yang Yang of Prince Orchids that combines the clone ‘King’ (considered the best clone of the red flowered strain) with his awarded alba clone 'Ta-Wei'. These seedlings are now blooming in a 3-inch pot, which is pretty amazing for this species as it often doesn’t reach blooming size until it is gigantic (hence the name gigantea). The first blooms are showing thick, waxy, green flowers with raised red spots on front and exhibiting some green on the back of the flower. This strain is valuable for future breeding of Phal. gigantea with other novelty Phals. Plants of this strain are half the size of the Phal. gigantea standard color form and more free blooming with excellent vigor and robust root system, influenced by the alba strain.
Found in lowland to hill forests at elevations up to 1,300 feet, Phal. gigantea is named the “Gigantic Phalaenopsis” for its enormous leaves that can grow up to 3 feet long in nature. It is a large sized, warm to hot growing, understory epiphyte carrying 5 to 6, pendulous, leathery, shiny, bluish green, obtuse leaves. It can bloom at any time but mostly in the late summer and early fall on a 6-15 inch pendulous, many flowered inflorescence with small, triangular bracts and sweetly fragrant, simultaneously opening flowers. The round, fleshy flowers are 1.5 - 2.75 inches in diameter. The inflorescence remains green and can flower for several years, so it is best not to cut it off unless it is brown and dry. Phal. gigantea grows extremely slowly, needing 6-10 years to reach blooming size (hence its high price).
It is a very demanding (but not too difficult) species with strict requirements for growing conditions. This plant favors shadier conditions than its relatives in the subgenus Polychilos (e.g., Phal. cornu-cervi, Phal. violacea, Phal. bellina, Phal.amboinensis). An average daytime temperature of 85°F and nighttime temperature of 75° F is recommended year round. Phal. gigantea needs a humidity of 60-70 %. In its natural habitat, the humidity is higher. Sphagnum moss is recommended as a substrate, with regular use of highly diluted fertilizer sprayed on the leaves as a foliar fertilizer. Its roots are sensitive to fertilizer salts, which will lead to leaf tip burn. Tilting the pot at an angle of 30-45° ensures good drainage and minimizes crown rot. Repotting (if necessary) is best done when new roots begin to grow. Phal. gigantea should be kept constantly moist throughout the year using room temperature water at about 70°F. Plants should be watered early in the morning and must dry quickly. The constant movement of air between the long leaves is very important. This plant has no rest period and should not be exposed to large temperature fluctuations. A “must have” for any novelty Phal. breeding program. Phal. gigantea influences the flower shape and color, however it does not dominate the leaf size in complex hybrids. Highly recommended for the species nut and fragrant orchid lover.
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