My Phalaenopsis gigantea is spiking

[Andre]

After many years of waiting... My Phal. gigantea has two spikes growing. I am very surprised how fast they are elongating, in this rather dark time of the year.
I am not sure how old the plant is, but the leaf span is 28 inches. I grow it in a very large west window with under pot heating. Keeps the plant above 25C at minimum during the day at this time of year.
I have it in a clear vented pot with hydroton, but do not let it sit in water. As they hate to have their roots disturbed inert media will decrease the number of times I need to repot. It sits in a heavy ceramic cache pot with enough room to allow for circulation within.

Phone picture.
Now let's see if it will bloom...
Andre


---
I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=49.281485,-122.828211

[jrodpad]

Looks like it's off to a great start. Love the detailed cultural info too. Keep he OB up to speed as that spike develops. It would be great to see a photo progression of spike to bloom. And good luck!

-J

[Pilot]

Oooooh congrats! Cant wait to see the blooms!

[Cattleya17]

SOO JEALOUS!!! I'm Too impatient to grow a seedling and to cheap to but a mature size one! I hope it blooms for you too!!!!!!

[Eyebabe]

Very exciting!

[Lagoon]

Lucky you!!! The plant itself looks just gorgeous!!
Where did you picked this one up?
Congrats on such a beautiful orchid

[fotofashion]

This is on my "want list". I have found one that the grower wants $100 for and I am tempted but I think I will ask him for a picture before I lay my money down. Congrats on yours, keep us posted.
Beverly A.

[Bud]

Thats very exciting...that is a very large Phal...and the spike is hiding on the leaf center

[Andre]

I got it a few years ago from a local nursery. One word of advice with these plants... Never get water on the leafs. They love to die from rot.



---
I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=49.281575,-122.827855

[Mervin]

Well done and congrats !