Phalaenopsis gigantea is a botanical species native to the Sabah area (Merutai and the Tiger Mountain), in northern Borneo, where it is considered a rare and endangered species .

It is also found on the western slopes of the Crocker Mountains, in Sarawak and West Kalimantan. The species was recently found in the native forests of Java, growing easily at altitudes of approx. 150 m. Large epiphytic species, which prefers a warm to very warm climate, has short stems, completely covered by the nested basal sheaths of the large leaves, in number of 5 or 6, pendulous, with a leathery appearance, glossy on both sides, elliptical up to oblong - ovate, bluish green. In specimens that grow in nature, the leaves reach 56-91 cm in length. The species can bloom at any time of the year, but the maximum frequency of flowering occurs in late summer and early autumn, on long stems, 15-40 cm long, racemose or paniculate, pendulous, with numerous flowers per inflorescence, and provided with small bracts, triangular. The flowers with simultaneous opening are strongly perfumed, with a sweet aroma, having a diameter of 3.8 - 7 cm, a star shape and a fleshy texture. They can be greenish white to yellow, with close punctuation, brown or chestnut in color. The labellum is white and has light red-violet punctuation. If the stems are not removed after flowering, successive reblooms can occur on them, for several consecutive seasons

The growing light for Phalaenopsis gigantea has low values, falling within the range of 8000 - 10000 lux, with shaded to very shaded locations being favorable.

The ideal temperature falls 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, the values ​​are higher, but in apartment conditions values ​​above 75% can increase the risk of fungal diseases.

Sphagnum moss can be used as a substrate , either dry, when it will have to be mixed with large-caliber bark, or live sphagnum moss. In both cases, it is recommended to administer fertilizers frequently, at least weekly, but at high dilutions, of 25% of the values ​​indicated on the bottle, for the summer period, then this should be reduced by half (10-12%) for the winter period. Alternatively, foliar fertilization will also be used. An extremely useful tip is to position the pot at an angle of 45 degrees, to ensure efficient drainage. It is recommended to change the substrate when the formation of new roots is observed, but when possible, this operation should be avoided in the cold season.

The species Phalaenopsis gigantea will be provided with a constant humidity throughout the year, and irrigation with warm water or at room temperature will be used. It is recommended that irrigation be carried out early in the morning and to ensure efficient ventilation.

Apart from a slight decrease in temperature, of 1-2 °C, and the reduction of the amount of fertilizer, this species does not require a rest period.

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