Phalaenopsis gigantea - long term growing project

[DBoro9]

Originally Posted by Mr.Fakename

Here are mine:

Grown under LEDs, Cattleya light levels. After they're done with their current leaves, I'll put them even closer to the light bulb.
They get a bit of natural spring light during the afternoon; but direct summer sun is not possible under my conditions, I don't want to end with a bunch of roasted salads.

Temperatures are hard to bear for humans, but plants love the heat.
They usually see 30-40°C during summer days, 15-25°C at night. Winter days 18-25°C, nights 18-22°C.

The main issue is RH, 20-30% in winter, under 10% day and close to 90% night during summer.

Gigantea #1 (longest leaf 23cm) is potted in big bark, allowing for very frequent and thorough watering, keeping the moisture relatively even inside the pot.
Gigantea #2 (longest leaf 12cm) is in tightly packed Sphagnum, and will go in S/H soon.

I water them with tap water and RainMix (MSU for Americans); I also regularly swap fertiliser for a bunch of organic products like aloe vera extract or fish emulsion.
I strongly believe in the power of beneficial microorganisms, and use fungi and bacteria monthly.

Are the 2 plants the same age? Have you noticed a difference in the plants based on the pitting mix you’re using?

[Mr.Fakename]

Originally Posted by DBoro9

Are the 2 plants the same age? Have you noticed a difference in the plants based on the pitting mix you’re using?

They're not the same age, the alba was younger by a solid year or 2.
It unfortunately died when I moved; I didn't have time to really compare.

My remaining gig has been with my parents since the beginning of the year, as I moved (again) and couldn't accommodate such a big plant.

It's been watered only occasionally, not fed once, outside in the elements, and has now decided to grow a new leaf while night temps are 8-10°C. Pretty sure I couldn't kill it if I tried at this point.

I have bought a grow tent, it'll join other plants and benefit from much better conditions shortly, and will hopefully become a nice mature plant in the coming years.


Edit: leaves are dirty and old ones are fading to feed new growth, but it's not doing too bad

[tmoney]

yo mr. fakename! you’re back! how are those little gigantea alba seedlings you got doing? the one we kept from your little group is still doing well, but those things have a few years before flowering i think, hahaha....