Disa

Family. Orchidaceae.

Origin. South Africa, Madagascar.

Description. Disa is an orchid with oblong pseudobulbs. Quite a changeable look. The stems can be thin, only about 5 cm high, while in other species they can be up to 1 meter in height. The leaves can be located either along the entire length of the stem or only in its lower part, forming a rosette; they are green, oblong-lanceolate, 10 - 25 cm long. The peduncles are tall. The inflorescences are always unbranched and bear from 3 to 15 flowers. Flower colors range from pink, white, blue, red and yellow to brown and purple, often with darker spots. The petals can be straight or recurved, the lip is usually very small.

Height. Depending on the type - up to 1 m.

Home care

Temperature conditions

The orchid is adapted to a fairly cool environment. In summer, daytime temperatures can significantly exceed 30 ° C; in winter, when the disa goes dormant, keep the plant at a temperature of 5 - 10 ° C. 

Lighting

Do not place the flower in direct sunlight in summer - provide light shading. The rest of the time, a brightly lit place is necessary. Pale, light green leaves indicate a lack of light.

Care

A very difficult plant to cultivate, which must be provided with a humid atmosphere, but at the same time ensure that rot does not occur. Beginners will not cope with this task. 

Soil

Well-drained substrate. Suitable soil containing peat, sphagnum moss, finely ground pine bark, perlite, vermiculite, coarse river sand, fern and coconut fibers. The soil should have an acidic pH - from 5.0 to 6.5.

Feeding

Spring marks the beginning of the growing season. The temperature rises and the growth of the orchid accelerates. It is worth remembering that the greater the light intensity, the more nutrients the plant consumes. Start feeding disa in the spring. Remember that excess nitrogen prevents the formation of pseudobulbs that feed the plant. 

Purpose

Disa is gaining increasing popularity as a cut flower.

Flowering time

Spring.

Air humidity

Air humidity of at least 60% and good ventilation are necessary conditions for the successful cultivation of this species.

Watering

Disas do not tolerate tap water. For irrigation, you should use only soft rain or distilled water at room temperature. Reduce watering on cold autumn and winter days, make sure that the water does not stagnate in the pan. 

Transfer

The flower tolerates transplantation well. Adult specimens are usually transplanted soon after flowering. Trim dead roots with a sharp sterile tool and rinse the root system with water to prevent fungal infections. Place the bush in fresh soil at the level of the leaf rosette. The root system prefers cramped conditions, so do not rush to change the size of the pot. In addition, a clay pot is best suited for growing this orchid, the walls of which allow water and air to pass through, and also do not allow the soil to overheat.

Reproduction

Propagated by dividing adult specimens during transplantation and by seeds. The seedlings are covered with glass, young seedlings will bloom in 2-3 years.

Pests and diseases

Warm and humid conditions during the dormant period are completely unsuitable for disa and can lead to rotting of the plant.

The main pests are aphids, spider mites, mealybugs and thrips.