Re: Disa uniflora-the pride of table mountian



M. Hachadourian wrote:

> Loren Russell wrote:
>
> > For what it's worth:  the chance of growing most orchids from seed, either
> > fresh or stored, is very small, unless specialized nutrient-culture
> > equipment is used.  Disa spp. seem to be the exception, and are often
> > grown from seed in a more conventional way.
> >
> > Has anyone on this list actually grown them?
>
>  Loren and all-         Disa is not too difficult to grow. It is also not
> difficult to kill. All in all if you follow a few simple rules Disa uniflora
> and its hybrids are not too challenging. The other species in the genus with
> few exceptions should be better left to the "experts". As with most
> specialized flora the key is successfully replicating their natural
> environment. Disa uniflora is native to the cool mountain streams of South
> Africa. Here it grows in association with sphagnum mosses, Drosera's, and
> other plants adapted to growing in nutrient poor environments. Disas often can
> be found with their roots immersed in running water or near waterfalls where
> the spray provides a cool constantly moist environment.
>    To replicate this sort of environment one should grow the plants in a
> moisture retentive soil mixture. D. uniflora can be grown in sphagnum (live or
> dead), a peat sand mixture, or a 1:1 sphagnum peat and coarse perlite mix. The
> second key to successful culture is the water.DO NOT USE TAP WATER AND DO NOT
> LET THEM DRY OUT. I can not emphasize that enough. Disa need water with a very
> low dissolved salt content. They will not tolerate hard water. An easy
> solution is to use rain water collected from down spouts. Some Disa growers do
> fertilize their plants but I find that for the beginning grower it is better
> to not do so. They are very sensitive to fertilizers as well. Disa will
> tolerate sun as long as their roots are kept cool. Overheating of the root
> zone will quickly invite all sorts of wonderful bacteria and fungus
> infections.
>     Disa seed can be germinated easily by sowing the seed on the surface of
> finely chopped and sterilized sphagnum moss. The moss can be sterilized by
> pouring boiling water over the surface of the pots.  Disa seed is small- It
> makes Begonia seed look like acorns. Set the pots in saucers of water
> overnight to allow the medium to be completely saturated. Tap the dust like
> seed on to the surface and place a piece of glass over the top of the pot.
> Plastic wrap can be used if it is kept loose to allow air circulation. Keep
> the pots in saucers of water out of direct sunlight and wait The seed will
> germinate in a matter of months and small plantlets will develop within a
> year. Let them grow on for a while in a community pot before transplanting.
> With good culture the plants will grow to blooming size with in 3-4 years.
>     Don't be frightened away by all those restrictions. If you grow
> carniverous plants there is no reason that you could not grow Disa uniflora.
> Many Disa growers build hydroculture tables that keep the pots partially
> submerged in running water but this is not necessary. I have seen gorgeous
> plants grown without this method.There are many articles on their culture in
> past issues of the American Orchid Society Bulletin and one about Warren
> Stoutmire (famed Disa grower) in a back issue of Horticulture.
>     The little things that a person has to do in order to grow Disa uniflora
> are more than rewarded when the plants bloom. A good Disa uniflora can have 5"
> red flowers that could make a Ferrari jealous. With modern hybrids the range
> of colors that are available would rival any sunset. All worth it for Disa
> uniflora,  justifiably called the "Pride of Table Mountain".
>
> Any other questions?
> Marc

  To Marc & anyone else who can help.  I read the above & from what Marc says, I
can grow them because I grow Droseras & Sarracenias in rain water & long-fibred
spaghnum moss.  The next question is where can I get some seeds to try?  Thanks,
Judy Showers (http://www.epix.net/~jshowers)
j*@epix.net
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