Phal Gigantea (crystelle x Krulls ruby)

[Bud]

If it is a specie then it is. I was just thrown off by the cross (Crystelle x Krulls Ruby) and assumed it is a hybrid....oh well then this plant will have to reach at least 25 inches leafspan before it spikes....its gigantea after all

[Pilot]

Bud those were just the cultivar names... Both are in fact Gigantea. Crystelle is super dark, and Krulls ruby happens to have smaller spots and a more yellow background. No idea what this cross will look like but if I'm not mistaken, this cross doesn't make it a hybrid...assuming a hybrid is two kinds of species etc.

[Bud]

You are right. Your plant is a gigantea specie because its just a cross of variations not a cross of two different species

[JaneEyre]

I'm curious if the tag had gigantea capitalized, if so, why? I always thought species is written in lower case. But I have seen tags for naturally occurring hybrids with species name capitalized.

[Pilot]

Gigantea is not capitalized on the tag! Huh never noticed that before.

[DelawareJim]

Gigantea is the species name. Species are never capitalized. Only the genus name is capitalized. Cultivar names like 'Chrystelle' are capitalized and in single quotes.

Cheers.
Jim

[Pilot]

Still too early to tell but I believe my gig is spiking. Pics when it's confirmed. I found a nub last night where I'd expect a spike to be but whatever it is just split though the side last night. Knowing roots can bust through the same area of a phal I shall withhold judgment.

[orchidsarefun]

GL - I hope it is a spike.
My seedling is about 2-3 years old, with 3 leaves. About 5 in span.
I had it on a heating mat and turned it off for Summer. Big mistake, as after turning it back on a new leaf sprouted.

[Pilot]

Update: no spike. But that's ok, as I've now witnessed 8+ roots coming from this plant, which is a huge improvement over its status two months ago when I wasn't sure it would survive. It's new leaf is happily coming along as well. Over all the plant seems quite happy.

[Pilot]

Here's an update... The gig has moved into its new home.


It's a big plant. Healthy and strong, at least as seen here.


And these are why it's moving into sh. Many more new roots not seen in this pic on the other side of the stem.


Not as many existing roots as I would have hoped or guessed. But you can see branching off the old roots. I attribute this to the use of solo from ray. Also I used mega thrive when I first got this plant.


It's new home, drilled for drainage and painted to hide the reservoir.


Come on new baby root...go to your new home!


The gig in its new digs... I placed a rod beneath the leaves to prevent them from bending and breaking due to their huge size. This plant is now on a heat mat enjoying a decent amount of light and being kept warm!

That's it for now.