What is the largest orchid flower?

[rtsingleton]

I have seen a lot of people claim sanderianum because of the length of its petals, and Grammatophyllum is the biggest plant. What are some other opinions about what is the largest in overall say square inches as far as flowers go? Just curious...

[SP2340]

I had a Vanda Thailand Beauty that had some very large flowers. Maybe 8 square inches.

[Phantasm]

There is no doubt that Paph sanderianum is the largest in vertical spread due to the length of the petals, but if you consider the actual total area of the flower itself then there are many more candidates. Some of the hybrid cattleyas and vandas are quite large and would have to be considered.

[Leslie2934]

SP2340 I bet that was beautiful!

[rtsingleton]

Yeah I figured it would be a catt, maybe a vanda, was wondering where phrag kovatchii would fit in too

[Scruffy]

My vote is for Phrag. kovachii- It's HUGE! Check out Piping Rock orchids web site.

[flhiker]

I have no idea but I seen this on at the World Orchid Conf. 8 inches from the bottom of my palm to the tip of my finger

[Jorch]

Some long petal phrags have petals way longer than Paph sanderianum also.

[rtsingleton]

i'm not very familiar with phrags, which ones are longer?

[unhappykat]

I would have to agree with Phantasm, some of the new Cattleya flowers are simply massive, especially those from the Japanese breeders. Phrag kovachii has a large flower but these Cattleyas have flowere in excess of eight inches across and seven inches tall. And for Phrags you will want to look at variations on Cuadatum, Exstaminodium, and Wallisii. All have variations which are easily as long or longer than most sanderianum blooms, with a few exceptions.