Phalaenopsis gigantea is a botanical species native to the Sabah area (Merutai and Tiger Mountain), in northern Borneo, where it is considered a rare and endangered species.
It is also found on the western slope of the Crocker Mountains, in Sarawak and western Kalimantan. The species was recently rediscovered in the native forests of Java, growing easily at altitudes of approx. 150 m. A large epiphytic species that prefers warm to very warm climates, it has short stems completely covered by the overlapping basal sheaths of the large leaves, numbering 5 or 6, pendulous, with a leathery appearance, glossy on both sides, elliptical to oblong-ovate, bluish-green in color. In specimens growing in nature, the leaves reach 56 – 91 cm in length. The species can flower at any time of the year, but the peak flowering frequency occurs in late summer and early autumn, on long stalks, 15 – 40 cm, racemose or paniculate, pendulous, with numerous flowers per inflorescence, and provided with small, triangular bracts. The simultaneously opening flowers are strongly fragrant, with a sweet aroma, measuring 3.8 – 7 cm in diameter, star-shaped and fleshy in texture. They can be greenish-white to yellow, with close brown or chestnut spotting. The labellum is white and has light red-violet spotting. If the stalks are not removed after flowering, successive reflowerings can occur on them for several consecutive seasons
The growth light for Phalaenopsis gigantea has low values, ranging between 8000 – 10000 lux, favoring shaded to very shaded locations.
The ideal temperature ranges between 28 – 32 during the day, dropping by 7 – 9°C at night to values between 21 – 24°C.
The recommended humidity for successful growth in apartment conditions for this species should be between 70 – 75%. In the natural environment, values are higher, but in apartment conditions, values above 75% can increase the risk of fungal diseases.
Sphagnum moss can be used as substrate, either dried, when it should be administered mixed with large bark pieces, or live sphagnum moss. In both cases, frequent fertilization is recommended, at least weekly, but at high dilutions, 25% of the values indicated on the bottle, for the summer period, followed by a reduction to half (10-12%) for the winter period. Alternatively, foliar fertilization will also be applied. A very useful tip is to position the pot at a 45-degree angle to ensure efficient drainage. It is recommended to change the substrate when new roots are observed, but when possible, this operation should be avoided in the cold season.
The species Phalaenopsis gigantea will be provided with constant humidity throughout the year, and irrigation with lukewarm or room temperature water will be used. It is recommended that irrigations be done early in the morning and that efficient ventilation be ensured.
Apart from a slight temperature drop of 1 – 2 °C and a reduction in the amount of fertilizer, this species does not require a rest period.
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