Overview
Disa cylindrica (Thunb.) Sw. is a flowering plant species belonging to the family Orchidaceae. It is endemic to South Africa, including the provinces of Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and Western Cape.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the "Pride of Table Mountain" or simply "Table Mountain orchid". It is also called the "Cylinder Orchid" due to the shape of its flowers.
Appearance
The Disa cylindrica plant is a terrestrial herb that grows up to 50 cm tall. It has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that can reach up to 15 cm long. The flowers are cylindrical and grow in dense clusters on a tall, slender spike. The flowers are typically red, but can also be orange or pink. They are about 1.5-2 cm long and have a waxy texture.
Uses
Disa cylindrica is a popular ornamental plant and is often cultivated in gardens and greenhouses. The plant is also considered a valuable medicinal plant in traditional South African medicine. The roots and tubers are used to treat coughs, colds, and diarrhea. The plant is also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and is used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Light Requirements
Disa cylindrica requires high levels of light, but it should be protected from direct sunlight. It prefers partial shade or dappled sunlight during the hottest hours of the day. Foliage will become yellow and wilt if it is exposed to too much sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Disa cylindrica is an orchid species that prefers moderate to cool temperatures. It thrives in conditions between 10°C to 25°C. This orchid can withstand temperature drops to 5°C for short periods, but it requires protection from frost or freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Disa cylindrica does not typically grow in soil. It is an epiphytic orchid, which means it grows on other plants or inorganic substrates. It may be grown in sphagnum moss, which retains enough moisture but also ensures good drainage. It may also be grown in orchid bark, which has good drainage and allows air to circulate around the roots. Regular watering is required to ensure the root system remains moist but is not waterlogged.
Cultivation Methods for Disa cylindrica
The Disa cylindrica plant prefers to grow in a cool and wet environment with partial shade to full sun exposures. Start by choosing a growing medium that provides good drainage, aeration, and water-retention capacity such as sphagnum moss, sand, and perlite. Plant from seeds, and cover them with a light layer of the growing mixture. It usually takes up to four weeks for the seedlings to come up.
Watering Needs for Disa cylindrica
Watering is a crucial aspect of growing Disa cylindrica. Ensure that the soil or growing medium is always moist to the touch, but not waterlogged. Water the plant regularly, ideally, 2-3 times a week by misting it or immersing the pot in a tray with water for few minutes to rehydrate the roots. In areas with low humidity, provide a humidifying tray or a room humidifier as Disa cylindrica prefers high humidity conditions to grow optimally.
Fertilization of Disa cylindrica
To fertilize the Disa cylindrica plant, use a weak concentration of balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season, typically from March to October. You can also supplement the nitrogen needs by using nitrogen-rich fertilizers such as ammonium nitrate, urea, or blood meal. Apply the fertilizer at a rate of ¼ strength every three weeks to avoid burning the delicate roots.
Pruning Disa cylindrica
Pruning is not a significant requirement for growing Disa cylindrica as the plants tend to grow in a clump. However, you can remove any dead, diseased, or damaged parts to prevent the spread of fungal diseases. Pinch the tips of the leaves to promote bushier growth and remove any faded flowers to encourage re-blooming. Always use sterilized pruning shears to avoid transmitting diseases.
Propagation of Disa cylindrica (Thunb.) Sw.
Disa cylindrica (Thunb.) Sw., commonly known as the cylindrical disa or the green disa orchid, is a terrestrial orchid species belonging to the family Orchidaceae. Propagation of this plant can be done through various methods such as division, seed sowing, and tissue culture.
Division
Division is the most common and easiest method of propagating this plant. It involves separating the offsets or new shoots from the parent plant and planting them in a well-draining soil mix. Division should be done during the dormant phase of the plant, which is usually during autumn or early spring. The offsets should have their own roots and shoots before they are separated from the parent plant. This method ensures that the new plants will have the same characteristics as the parent plant.
Seed sowing
Seed sowing is another propagation method that can be used for Disa cylindrica. The seeds of this plant are very small and need to be sown on the surface of the soil mix. The soil mix should be kept moist, and the seeds may take up to a year to germinate. Once the seeds have germinated, the seedlings should be kept in a warm, humid environment with bright indirect light. The seedlings can be transplanted to their desired location once they have two or three leaves.
Tissue culture
Tissue culture is a more advanced propagation method that is commonly used in laboratories to propagate orchids. This method involves taking a small section of the plant tissue, such as the shoot tip or the leaf, and placing it in a nutrient-rich growth medium. The growth medium should be kept sterile to prevent contamination. The plant tissue will eventually form multiple shoots and roots. The new plants can then be transferred to their desired potting medium once they are large enough.
Disease Management
Disa cylindrica is generally a hardy plant, but it can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as leaf spots and rots. To manage leaf spots and rots, it is important to avoid overhead watering, which can encourage the growth and spread of fungi. In addition, removing infected plant material and disposing of it properly can help prevent the disease from spreading. Applying a fungicide to the plant according to the manufacturer's instructions can also help control fungal diseases.
Pest Management
Like most plants, Disa cylindrica can be vulnerable to pest infestations. Common pests that can affect the plant include aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. Aphids and spider mites feed on the sap of the plant, which can cause deformities and stunt growth, while mealybugs can create a sticky residue that attracts other pests. To manage pest infestations, it is important to regularly inspect the plant for signs of pests and remove any that are found. Using insecticidal soap or neem oil according to the manufacturer's instructions can also help control pests. It is important to follow label directions carefully to avoid damage to the plant or the environment.
