Giant Phalaenopsis Plant Care

Giant Phalaenopsis (Phalaenopsis gigantea) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Phalaenopsis genus. Giant Phalaenopsis is native to the island of Borneo and was first described in 1909. Giant Phalaenopsis is also known as Giant Moth Orchid.

Giant Phalaenopsis displays an elegant, upright growth with arching flower spikes growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Giant Phalaenopsis produces large, colorful, long-lasting blooms in various colors like white, pink, purple, or yellow.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Giant Phalaenopsis every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Giant Phalaenopsis thrives in bright indirect light, avoid direct sunlight. Avoid placing Giant Phalaenopsis in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Phalaenopsis gigantea tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Giant Phalaenopsis prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Chunky orchid bark mix with perlite and charcoal for good aeration and drainage. Good drainage is essential for Giant Phalaenopsis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Giant Phalaenopsis every 4 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light, avoid direct sunlight and chunky orchid bark mix with perlite and charcoal for good aeration and drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Giant Phalaenopsis is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Giant Phalaenopsis can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Giant Phalaenopsis while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Giant Phalaenopsis is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Giant Phalaenopsis can be propagated through division of plant, keiki propagation, tissue culture. Similar propagation techniques also apply to phalaenopsis orchid plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Giant Phalaenopsis is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Giant Phalaenopsis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Giant Phalaenopsis is native to the island of Borneo and was first described in 1909. In cooler regions, grow Giant Phalaenopsis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.