Phalaenopsis gigantea var. alba - fragrant

Phalaenopsis gigantea var. alba is the rare white form of the species from Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak). It retains the large stature of the type: huge, pendulous, leathery, glossy leaves that can reach 60–90 cm on mature plants. The flowers are large, usually 4–7 cm, flat or slightly star-shaped, white or creamy white, and strongly fragrant. This is a collector’s selection, not an ordinary commercial hybrid.

As with the type, flowering may occur in several seasons, more often toward the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. The pendulous spikes can carry many flowers open almost simultaneously. If the spike remains green, you can keep it for subsequent flowering; remove only the dried sections. The plant requires time and space: well-developed foliage generally precedes abundant flowering.

Light should be moderate to low, approximately 8,000–10,000 lux. A bright location without strong direct sunlight is suitable. Warm temperatures are essential: around 28–32°C during the day and 21–24°C at night. It does not need a cool rest period; in winter, you can slightly reduce fertilization if light levels decrease, but do not force prolonged dryness.

Water with room-temperature water in the morning, when the substrate is approaching dryness, and allow excess water to drain away. Maintaining moderate to high humidity is beneficial, but air must circulate: humidity above 75% without ventilation increases the risk of fungal problems. During active growth, fertilize with a diluted solution after watering, using fertilizer for orchids.

The substrate should be well aerated and dry at a suitable rate: coarse-grade bark, optionally mixed with sphagnum. A Phalaenopsis substrate works well as long as it does not remain waterlogged. Some plants do well with the pot slightly tilted so that water does not collect at the base of the leaves. Repot when new roots appear, preferably outside the cold season, and avoid frequent handling: a large gigantea plant recovers slowly after being disturbed.

If the leaves become wrinkled, check the roots and watering frequency. Scorch marks appear after exposure to direct sunlight. A lack of flowering on a still-small plant is normal: the species needs time and well-developed foliage before producing abundant spikes.