(Photo courtesy of Ed Merkle)

Q: Does Phalaenopsis gigantea have different growing requirements from other phalaenopsis? I have had mine for about six months on a light-cart. It has not grown or spiked. Its leaves are a very pale silvery green.

A:  Pale, silvery green leaves are typical for this species, which must be mature to flower. Growth is relatively slow and mature leaves can be up to 2 feet long and 8 to 10 inches wide. If your plant is small, it may be several years before it flowers. Improper fertilization, light or temperature could prevent a mature specimen from flowering.