Disa Distress!

[dlkc]

Hi Everyone!

I purchased a Disa in March because I am in LOVE with the flowers. I have placed it in a North facing window where it is cool and I keep it moist with water at the bottom of the tray (as suggested by the seller). It has been growing new leave quite quickly! I have not yet fertilized the plant. The exact name I have is Disa Uniflora UN 47.

Yesterday I went to look at it, to replenish the water, and I found it with 2 sad looking bottom leaves. See attached photos.

Am I doing something wrong? Is this OK? Any Disa tips out there? I really want to see a bloom this year!

Thanks!

Danielle

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

It could be normal. Older leaves do die back.

Disa uniflora is really a lithophyte not a true terrestrial. They are found mostly around rocky streambanks and rocky cliffs near waterfalls around drip zones. The rocks are some sort of metamorphosed sandstone.

They are not always found growing amongst moss, btw.

[silken]

Where did you get it from? I love them. What is it potted in? To me it looks like potting soil. OrchidWiz says they are usually in sand and gravel or in sphagnum moss with some perlite but whatever it is in it needs air to the roots thru some air spaces in the media. How long have you had it? Did it come potted that way?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by silken

OrchidWiz says they are usually in sand and gravel or in sphagnum moss with some perlite but whatever it is in it needs air to the roots thru some air spaces in the media.

They grow in between rock crevices with some sand and silt, the areas they grow in are not dominated by fine sediments. If anything, gravel or rock is far more dominant in areas where they are found.

66 Square Feet: Disas on the mountain

Red disa photo - Disa uniflora - G30471 - ARKive

Disa*(Orchidaceae) at The Culture Sheet - The Web's niche for plant cultivation and horticulture

http://capemountainandfield.co.za/wp...inesmaller.jpg

Notice, like I said, the sand and silt content in these areas are very, very low.

[silken]

I'm concerned the potting media is too fine for the roots to get any air.

[quiltergal]

I know some people grow these in ebb&flow hydroponics.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

That's probably ideal, but it's not necessary.

[dlkc]

Hi Everyone!

Thanks for the interest!

I recieved this plant at the VAncouver Orchid Show March 24, 2013. It is said to be blooming size. It is potted in sandy soil and I was told to keep the bottom moist. The guy who was selling them says he normally grows in this medium.

Should I be OK with the changes in leaf color? Also, do these plants usually grow tall? This plant is a good 6 inches or so.

Thanks!

Danielle

PS Should I fertilize it?

[Wild Orchid]

What an intriguing looking plant!
I'd love to learn how to care for it as well!



WO

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by dlkc

It is said to be blooming size.

Yes, it is a blooming sized plant.

Originally Posted by dlkc

It is potted in sandy soil and I was told to keep the bottom moist.

In the wild, most of the water they get is coming from the bottom up. Remember, they grow alongside streams and near waterfalls at the drip zones (where stray water from the waterfalls drip down the rocks).

Originally Posted by dlkc

The guy who was selling them says he normally grows in this medium.

If he has success with it, then try it out and see how things go.

Originally Posted by dlkc

Should I be OK with the changes in leaf color?

I believe I mentioned that the plant normally has older leaves die back - so, I think it is ok.

Keep an eye on it to see if anything else drastic happens.

Originally Posted by dlkc

Also, do these plants usually grow tall?

With spike, they can range anywhere between 1' to 3' tall.

Originally Posted by dlkc

This plant is a good 6 inches or so.

That is a good sized plant, it has the potential to bloom.

I won't guarantee it'll bloom this season though...

Originally Posted by dlkc

PS Should I fertilize it?

Yes, but at 1/4 - 1/2 strength. The areas they come from are low in nitrogen and phosphorous. There is a good amount of potassium, but even that is not that high in concentration.

---------- Post added at 09:56 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:42 PM ----------

Originally Posted by Wild Orchid

What an intriguing looking plant!
I'd love to learn how to care for it as well!



WO

They are beautiful flowers.

If you can keep these growing in cool - intermediate conditions, they will thrive.