Phal. gigantea growth rate?

[Bunch_Of_Roots]

I know it grows slow, but what is it's typical rate of growth based on your experience/ observation? The largest, individual leaf span on my plant is about 6-7 inches. It is pushing out a new leaf, but it has been growing for over two months and it is only about 3 inches...

It is currently potted in pure sphagnum moss in a net pot. All roots appear to be healthy. I brought it outdoors since last week to give it some fresh air and larger temp. variance, and more light. The humidity ranges from 50-80%. Temp. ranges from low 60s-low/mid 80s. It gets fertilized about once a week with very diluted fertilizer.

Any advice and cultural tips would be much appreciated!

[silken]

[dangerouseddy]

i always wanted to buy a gigantea

from what ive read they usually grow one leaf a year.

media can be a bit tricky since they don't like their roots disturbed afaik, I'm sure somebody with more experience will chip in soon.

got to be careful that water doesn't get in-between the leaves as they're close together and gigantea's are known to have problems with crown rot so you have to be extra careful.

[sweetjblue]

Dangerouseddy is correct about the roots not liking being disturbed. gigantea are know to sulk after repotting. Many growers hang their plants tilted to avoid water sitting in between the leaves due to crown rot problems as he mentioned also.

You might get slightly better growth out of your plant if you bump up the temps a bit, if at all possible. Aim for low 70's night and high 80's to low 90's during the day. They like to be warm, but will still grow at the temps your currently giving, albeit slower.

Phal. gigantea is a heavy feeder both water and fertilizer wise due to their leaf mass. If your fert is very diluted try going 1/4 the recommended strength during it's active growing season.

They also like brighter light than most phals. Adjust to brighter light gradually to avoid sunburn.

Hopefully keeping it warmer and feeding it more with brighter light will give you somewhat better results, but be prepared for slow growth no matter what you do, they are notoriously slow.

Patience is the key.


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[Bunch_Of_Roots]

Thanks for the advice everyone!

[camille1585]

A bit late, but I got one 2 years ago, as a large seedling. The largest leaf then was about 6 inches, and now the largest is about 8 inches. It grew 2 new leaves last year, and so far one new one this year.

I grow it in full sun in a south facing window (note that I am in the Netherlands, so quite far north where the sun is not as strong), water and feed it rather heavily, and it just started growing a spike a few weeks ago!

[Bunch_Of_Roots]

congrats on the spike Camille! Be sure to share photos of the plant and flower later!!

Currently mine is growing outdoors with my Vandas under a 30% shade cloth. I think its growth picked up a bit, or I might be just imagining it...