Overview
Disa praetermissa Schltr. is a flowering orchid native to South Africa. This plant is known for its unique appearance and is often used for ornamental purposes.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the "Hidden Disa" due to its small size and its tendency to grow in mossy areas where it can easily blend into its surroundings.
Appearance
Disa praetermissa Schltr. is a small, herbaceous perennial that typically grows to be about 10-20 cm tall. It has thin, wiry stems that bear several basal leaves. The leaves are lance-shaped and can grow up to 5 cm long. The flowers of the Disa praetermissa Schltr. are the main attraction, featuring small white or pink petals with a reddish-purple lip. Each flower is approximately 10-15 mm in diameter.
The plant prefers to grow in cool, damp areas and can often be found along streams or in marshy regions. It tends to grow in clusters and is often seen growing in mossy areas that offer ample moisture to thrive.
Uses
Disa praetermissa Schltr. is primarily used for ornamental purposes due to its unique appearance and colorful flowers. The plant is often grown in greenhouses or as part of a home orchid collection. It is also occasionally used in traditional medicine practices for the treatment of various ailments, including stomach issues and respiratory problems.
Growth Conditions for Disa praetermissa Schltr.
Light: Disa praetermissa Schltr. prefer bright, indirect sunlight for optimal growth. They can tolerate some direct sunlight in the morning or evening, but too much can burn their leaves.
Temperature: These plants grow best in temperatures between 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C). They can tolerate cooler temperatures but may not thrive in overly warm temperatures.
Air Humidity: Disa praetermissa Schltr. require a high level of humidity, between 50% to 70%. You can increase humidity by placing a humidifier in the room or group the plants together, which helps create a microclimate.
Soil: These plants grow best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH level should be slightly acidic, between 6 to 6.5. A mix of sphagnum moss, perlite, and bark is a good combination for Disa praetermissa Schltr.
Water: These plants require frequent watering, with the soil kept consistently moist. However, it's essential not to overwater, and the soil should have good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilizer: Disa praetermissa Schltr. require regular fertilization during their growing season. A balanced fertilizer with equal proportions of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, supplemented with micronutrients such as magnesium and calcium, is recommended.
Propagation: These plants can be propagated through division or seed. Propagation via division involves separating the plant's rhizomes, with each division containing at least one pseudobulb. Seed propagation is more challenging and requires specific conditions such as high humidity and warm temperatures.
Cultivation of Disa praetermissa Schltr.
Disa praetermissa Schltr. is a rare terrestrial orchid species that is native to South Africa. The plant thrives in cool and damp environments, making it ideal for greenhouse cultivation. Here are some guidelines for cultivating the plant:
- Plant the orchid in a well-draining mix, such as sphagnum moss, bark, and perlite.
- Place the plant in an area that receives bright, indirect sunlight.
- Keep the temperature between 60-70°F during the day and 50-60°F at night.
- Humidity should be between 50-60%. Use a humidifier or spray the plant with water daily.
Watering Needs of Disa praetermissa Schltr.
Proper watering is crucial for the survival and health of Disa praetermissa Schltr. Here are some tips for watering the plant:
- Water the orchid frequently during the growing season and less often during the dormant season.
- Water the plant deeply and let the water drain completely before replacing it in its saucer or cachepot.
- Avoid getting water on the plant's leaves and flowers as it may cause spotting or rot.
- Consider using rainwater or distilled water as the plant is sensitive to mineral buildup.
Fertilization of Disa praetermissa Schltr.
Disa praetermissa Schltr. requires regular fertilization to ensure healthy growth. Here are some guidelines for fertilizing the plant:
- Use a balanced fertilizer, such as a 20-20-20, diluted to half-strength once every two weeks during the growing season.
- Avoid fertilizing the plant during the dormant season as it may result in salt buildup and damage to the plant.
- Consider using a fertilizer that is specially formulated for orchids.
Pruning of Disa praetermissa Schltr.
Disa praetermissa Schltr. requires minimal pruning to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Here are some tips for pruning the plant:
- Remove any dead or yellowing leaves as soon as possible to prevent the spread of disease or pests.
- Divide the plant every few years to prevent overcrowding and improve its overall health.
- Use a sterile cutting tool to avoid spreading pathogens and disinfect it between cuts.
Propagation of Disa praetermissa Schltr.
Disa praetermissa Schltr. can be propagated through several methods including seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and tissue culture.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation involves harvesting of mature seed pods after they have dried, which usually occurs from December to February. The seeds can be sown immediately on fresh, moist seed raising mix in a shaded area. Ensure that the seeds are sown just below the surface to maximize germination. The pots should be placed in a warm area with high humidity for the seeds to sprout, which can take between three to four weeks.
Vegetative Propagation
Disa praetermissa Schltr. can be propagated vegetatively through the division of rhizomes. The rhizomes should be carefully dug up from the soil, and the dead or diseased parts should be trimmed off using clean, sterilized scissors. The viable rhizomes can then be cut into multiple pieces, with each piece having at least two healthy pseudobulbs. These rhizome divisions can then be replanted in a mixture of peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite, with the top of the rhizome just below the soil surface level.
Tissue Culture
Tissue culture propagation is another scalable method that can be used to propagate Disa praetermissa Schltr. Using this method, small cuttings of the plant are taken from a healthy plant and placed into artificial growth medium under sterile conditions to promote cell division and growth. The plantlets that arise can then be transplanted into individual pots containing a sterile medium. This method allows for large-scale propagation of the plant with minimal maintenance and in less time than other propagation methods.
Disease Management
One of the main diseases that affects Disa praetermissa Schltr. is fungal leaf spot. This disease is caused by several types of fungi such as Cercospora, Colletotrichum, and Septoria. The symptoms of fungal leaf spot include yellow or brown spots on the foliage, and in severe cases, the leaves may fall off. To manage fungal leaf spot, it is advisable to prune and dispose of any affected foliage. Also, ensure proper air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides may also be applied to affected plants.
Pest Management
One common pest that affects Disa praetermissa Schltr. is mealybugs. These pests are often found in leaf axils, where they suck sap from the plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow and eventually drop off. To manage mealybugs, it is advisable to remove any affected foliage and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the plant. If the infestation is severe, it may be necessary to apply systemic insecticides. Another pest that affects Disa praetermissa Schltr. is spider mites. These pests feed on the underside of the leaves, causing the leaves to turn yellow and dry out. To manage spider mites, it is advisable to prune and dispose of any affected foliage. Also, ensure proper humidity levels and avoid overhead watering. Insecticides may also be applied to affected plants.
