Overview
Disa lacera Sw. is a species of orchid native to southern Africa that belongs to the genus Disa, consisting of approximately 170 species. Disa lacera Sw. is a terrestrial orchid commonly known as the Blister Disa, with several medicinal properties and aesthetic value due to its stunning appearance.
Appearance
The Blister Disa is a striking plant, standing up to 20cm tall with a single, erect stem and several basal leaves measuring up to 3.5 cm wide and 15 cm long. The plant bears 1 to 7 flowers that are fragrant, vibrant red, and measure approximately 3 cm wide and 7 cm long. The flowers are bilaterally symmetrical and have three sepals, two petals, and a single lip that is divided into three parts, with the dorsal sepal uppermost.
Common Names
The Blister Disa has the following common names:
- Blasieslangkop (Afrikaans)
- Umbulawe (Xhosa)
- Ingwelishweza (Zulu)
Uses
The Blister Disa has several medicinal properties and has been used in traditional medicine for various ailments, including bladder problems, snake bites, and fever. The plant has antibacterial and antifungal properties and has been found to be effective against various strains of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The orchid is also cherished for its beautiful appearance and is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a cut flower in bouquets.
Growth Conditions for Disa Lacera Sw.
Light Requirements: Disa lacera Sw. thrives well in partially shaded areas. It prefers bright light but needs protection from intense sunlight that could cause leaf burns. Medium to low light is ideal for this plant.
Temperature: The ideal temperature range for Disa lacera Sw. is between 16°C - 26°C (60°F-80°F). Temperatures above 30°C (86°F) may cause the plant to wither, while those below 10°C (50°F) may result in stunted growth.
Air Humidity: This plant needs an optimal level of humidity to grow well. It thrives in humid environments, and the humidity levels should range between 40% - 60%. Low humidity levels may lead to drying of the leaves, while high levels may cause fungal or bacterial infections.
Soil Requirements: Disa lacera Sw. requires well-draining soil with an acidic pH ranging between 4.5 and 5.5. The soil should be loamy and contain organic matter to promote the growth of healthy roots and overall plant growth.
Water: Disa lacera Sw. requires regular watering, and the soil should remain moist but not overwatered. It requires consistent moisture throughout the growth period, and the soil should not be allowed to completely dry out.
Fertilizer: For optimal growth, Disa lacera Sw. requires regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer, moderate in nitrogen content. Fertilizers should be applied every two weeks, following the manufacturer's instructions, to avoid overfeeding.
Cultivation Methods
Disa lacera Sw. is commonly known as the Pride of Table Mountain or the Red Disa. Disa lacera plant prefers to grow in humus-rich soils, in a slightly acidic to neutral pH range. It thrives well in a cool, well-draining, and moist environment. You can best grow this plant from rhizomes or seed, and it requires a particular type of fungus for germination.
To grow the plant from seed, you have to plant it in a soil mix rich in organic matter. For rhizomes, plant them in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix. Ensure that the plant is not in direct sunlight, and maintain a cool and humid environment for the best results. The plant performs well in temperatures ranging from 10 to 22 degrees Celsius.
Watering Needs
Disa lacera Sw. requires regular watering, and the soil should always be moist. However, avoid over-watering the plant, as this can lead to root rot. Water the plant often enough to maintain moisture but not enough to make the soil soggy. During the winter, reduce the watering frequency, as this is the plant’s dormant period.
Fertilization
Disa lacera Sw. requires regular fertilization to thrive well. Use a liquid fertilizer diluted in water with a low N-P-K ratio to avoid excess nitrogen, which can harm the plant. Fertilize the plant after every four to six weeks during the growing period. However, during the winter, reduce the frequency to once a month.
Pruning
Disa lacera Sw. requires minimal pruning. Once the flowers have dried, cut the flower stems at the base of the plant using sharp, clean scissors. In some cases, the aerial roots can grow beyond the container. You can either remove the roots or trim them using sharp, clean scissors. Do not cut off the leaves unless they are old and dry.
Propagation Methods of Disa lacera Sw.
Disa lacera Sw. is primarily propagated through seeds and vegetative means.
Propagation through Seeds
The seeds of Disa lacera Sw. usually start to develop in the capsules immediately after flowering. To propagate the plant through seeds, the capsules should be collected once they turn brown, and the seeds should be separated from the capsules.
The seeds are then sowed in a well-drained potting mixture containing a mixture of sand, perlite, and peat moss. The sowing depth should not exceed twice the size of the seed. The containers should be kept moist and placed in an area that receives adequate sunlight. The seeds usually take four to six weeks to germinate.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Disa lacera Sw. involves the separation of new shoots from the mother plant. It is usually done during the early growth seasons of the plant. The shoot needs to be separated from the mother plant using a sterile cutting tool and be carefully planted into a well-drained potting mixture containing a mixture of sand, perlite, and peat moss. The plant should be regularly irrigated and kept in an area that receives adequate sunlight until it fully establishes itself.
Another method of vegetative propagation involves dividing the mother plant. It is done by separating the root mass and dividing it into smaller pieces that have new shoots. Each smaller piece is planted into a well-drained potting mixture, irrigated regularly, and kept in a sunlit area until the plant fully establishes itself.
Disease Management
Disa lacera Sw. is known for its susceptibility to fungal and viral diseases, including Fusarium wilt and Orchid fleck virus. Fusarium wilt is a soil-borne disease that causes wilting and yellowing of leaves followed by yellowing of flowers. This disease can lead to plant death, and contaminated soil should be removed to prevent its spread. Orchid fleck virus causes yellow spots on the leaves and flowers of the plant. Infected plants should be isolated and destroyed to prevent spread to the healthy ones.
To manage the occurrence of fungal diseases, apply a fungicide as soon as symptoms appear. Fungicides containing copper and sulfur are effective against Fusarium wilt. The use of disease-free soil and regular sterilization of tools and equipment can also prevent the spread of fungal infections.
Viral diseases have no cure, but infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the virus.
Pest Management
Disa lacera Sw. is prone to attacks by insects such as spider mites and thrips. Spider mites are small, sap-sucking pests that can cause yellowing and defoliation of the plant. Thrips are tiny insects that damage flowers and leaves and can cause distortion in flower growth.
To manage spider mites, wash the plant foliage with soapy water or use an insecticidal soap. Keep the plant in a humid environment by placing it on a tray of wet pebbles or misting the foliage regularly to deter spider mites.
To manage thrips, apply a systemic insecticide, such as neonicotinoids, which will be absorbed by the plant and will kill the thrips when they start to feed on it. Use sticky traps to monitor and capture thrips.
Regularly inspecting the plant and maintaining optimal growing conditions, including temperature, humidity, and light, can prevent insect infestations. Additionally, make sure to quarantine any new plants before introducing them to the existing ones to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
