Phalaenopsis gigantea
Phalaenopsis gigantea is the largest moth orchid species and is native to Borneo. It bears massive pendent leaves and many small, waxy flowers on hanging branched spikes. Flowers are cream to yellow with red‑brown spotting and have a sweet, noticeable scent. Blooming is most common in late summer to early fall under warm conditions. Plants are slow to mature and resent root disturbance, so handle repotting carefully. Grow indoors or in a warm greenhouse with filtered light and steady humidity.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Species (Moth Orchid)
- Height × spread: 12 to 18 in × 24 to 36 in (30 to 45 cm × 60 to 90 cm); pendent inflorescences 6 to 16 in (15 to 40 cm)
- Bloom window: late summer to fall
- Color & flower form: cream to yellow with red‑brown spots; many small, waxy, starry flowers on pendent branches
- Fragrance: 2 noticeable
- USDA hardiness: not hardy outdoors in most areas; greenhouse only in frost‑free zones 10 to 12; grow indoors elsewhere
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown, wild species, Borneo
- Cut‑flower notes: pendent racemes; typical vase life about 8 to 14 days depending on season and source
- Pet safety: safe
How it differs
- Much larger leaves than typical moth orchids.
- Pendent, highly branched inflorescences with many small spotted flowers.
- Noticeable fragrance instead of little to none.
- Very slow to reach flowering size compared with common hybrids.
Strengths
- Show‑stopping foliage with a unique habit.
- Large flower count per spike when mature.
- Performs in warm, bright indoor conditions with filtered light.
Care in one minute
- Give bright, indirect light; often a touch brighter than standard phalaenopsis.
- Use a very open bark mix; repot only when needed and after flowering.
- Water when the mix is nearly dry; soak and drain; keep water out of leaf axils.
- Maintain 70 to 85 °F (21 to 29 °C) with 40 to 60 percent humidity and airflow.
- Fertilize lightly during growth; flush salts monthly.
- Provide room for large leaves and pendent spikes; stake or hang for display.
Watch‑outs
- Sensitive to overpotting and root disturbance at repotting.
- Requires space for large leaves and hanging spikes.
- Avoid water sitting in the leaf axils to prevent rot.
Best uses (tags)
specimen, houseplant, warm greenhouse, shade‑tolerant
Provenance note
Endemic to Borneo; leaves can exceed 24 in long on mature plants and spikes are pendent and branched.
References
- Kew Science POWO – Phalaenopsis gigantea
- Wikipedia – Phalaenopsis gigantea (size and bloom season overview)
- American Orchid Society – Phalaenopsis: The Genus (culture overview)
- ASPCA – Phalaenopsis Orchid (non‑toxic to cats and dogs)
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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