Disa Orchids

Growing Disa Orchids Introducing Africa's Disa Orchid
Cool growing 7 - 20 C (45 - 68F)

Disa orchids are native of South Africa and despite the hot climate of their home they are actually cool growing orchids, if not alpine as they hail from high altitude areas on mountain tops and grassy mountain slopes. This is good news for you and me as it means that they are easily kept amongst your collection of other cool/cold growing orchids like Odontoglossum, Coelogyne, Cymbidium and Pleione.

Although there are over 130 species of Disa available, by far the most commonly grown is Disa uniflora (which is native to Table Mountain near Cape Town) and cultivars stemming from this species. Disa uniflora has the largest flowers in the group in the richest reds to be found in any orchid. There and lots of crosses with blooms from pale yellow through deep crimson. The Disas in the uniflora group and their hybrids are typically evergreen and are tuber based plants which produce flowers borne on 15 - 20 inch tall stems carrying between 3 and 7 flowers up to 3 inches across. They are excellent as cut flowers and will last well if kept in water.

Flowering normally begins in late spring and can continue until early summner.Fortunately for us they are also one of the fastest multipliers of all orchids. Having spoken to, and seen his collection, Howard Taylor of Yorkshire (one of the UK's leading experts in Disa orchids) tells me that from pollination to seed production can be as short as 5 weeks and that seed, unlike 'normal' orchids which has very specific germination requirements can be sown directly on to sphagnum moss compost mix with exceptional results. Flowering size plants can be had in just 2 years - almost a biennial

Lighting & Air for Disa Orchids

Disa orchids like plenty of light but not strong, harsh light, you should provide 30% - 60% shading during the summer and allow more light in the darker months. Disa like good air flow and so can be kept out of doors during the summer and early autumn, suitably shaded of course. Alternatively place an oscillating fan in the greenhouse to keep the air constantly moving and thus preventing stale pockets of air, oscillating fans are better then a strait forward one as they don't cause permanent draughts on one plant.

Disas like a good supply of fresh water all year round and the compost should be kept moist at all times. Water the pots every three to five days in warmer weather and every 7 to 10 days during winter. If possible use rainwater or if your rain is contaminated use boiled, cooled water.

Feed Disa orchids with general purpose fertilizer at quarter strength from March till September at which time you should begin feeding with a higher potash feed at quarter strength to help harden the leaves and stems ready for the cooler winter. In both cases apply the feed at every second to third watering making sure to flush the pots at least once a month with fresh clean water to remove any excess salts. Cease feeding in late October and resume the following March.Disa Compost

Compost for Disas needs to be well drained but moisture retentive, a good mix would be 40% sphagnum moss, 55% sphagnum pet plus 5% vermiculite to help keep it open. This will allow the compost to retain plenty of water but still be free draining which is a MUST with these plants.

Not all Disa orchids produce large plants. This diminutive plant with stunning bright yellow flowers is the miniature species Disa Aurata and is easy to accomodate in even the fullest collection!

Disas are easily propagated by potting up any loose tubers or side shoots that have developed during the previous season. Newly potted tubers will be flowering size in 1 - 2 to years depending on the size of the tuber/side shoot which should be removed and potted in the standard mix AFTER flowering, in the UK this means June/July.Remember, These orchid MUST remain damp at all times!