Overview
Disa tripetaloides (L.f.) N.E.Br. var. aurata Bolus, also known as the golden Disa or the golden orchid, is a flowering plant in the orchid family Orchidaceae. It is native to South Africa and can be found growing in moist mountainous areas, particularly in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape regions.
Appearance
The golden Disa is a terrestrial orchid that grows up to 40cm in height. Its stem is slender and erect, and its leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, measuring up to 20cm in length. The flowers are held in a loose spike and are typically bright golden-yellow in color, although they can also be orange or red. The lip of the flower is large and distinctive, with a central white ridge and dark red markings on either side.
Uses
The golden Disa is often grown as an ornamental plant, both for its attractive golden flowers and its interesting cultural requirements. In its native habitat, the plant forms symbiotic relationships with certain species of fungi that are essential for its growth and survival. This has made it notoriously difficult to cultivate in a traditional greenhouse environment, although specialized growers have had some success using techniques like tissue culture and mycorrhiza-assisted cultivation.
Additionally, some species of Disa are used in traditional medicine. D. tripetaloides in particular has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, headaches, and respiratory infections. However, the golden Disa should not be consumed or used medicinally without consulting a trained practitioner.
Light Requirements
Disa tripetaloides (L.f.) N.E.Br. var. aurata Bolus is a plant that thrives under high light intensity. It requires an average of 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day to grow and flourish. Insufficient light may cause the plant to become leggy and fail to produce flowers. It is recommended to grow the plant in a location with bright, indirect sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The plant requires specific temperature conditions to grow correctly. The ideal day temperature for Disa tripetaloides (L.f.) N.E.Br. var. aurata Bolus is 22 to 28 degrees Celsius, while the nighttime temperature should be kept at 12 to 16 degrees Celsius. The plant cannot withstand excessive heat or cold temperatures. Spraying the leaves with warm water on hot days is an excellent way to keep the plant cool.
Soil Requirements
Disa tripetaloides (L.f.) N.E.Br. var. aurata Bolus requires acidic, well-drained soil to thrive. The soil should have a pH range of 4.5 to 6.5 and have good water retention capacity. It is recommended to use a well-drained potting mix consisting of peat moss, perlite, and bark chips. The soil should always be moist but never allowed to become waterlogged or soggy. The plant also requires regular fertilization with a water-soluble, balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
Cultivation methods
Disa tripetaloides (L.f.) N.E.Br. var. aurata Bolus is an herbaceous, semi-terrestrial, and terrestrial plant that is popularly grown as an ornamental plant. It thrives well in well-draining, acidic, and moist soil, and typical cultivation methods include growing it in pots, baskets or mounting it on slabs or plaques.
The plant requires a spot with bright but indirect light or partial shade, and it is important to ensure that the temperature range is between 10°C and 25°C.
Watering needs
Disa tripetaloides var. aurata Bolus demands moist soil to grow well. The watering schedule should be monitored adequately, and it is suggested to water it when the soil surface begins to dry up.
During the growing season, the plant will require more water to thrive, and it is advised to maintain humidity levels of about 50%.
Fertilization
It is essential to feed the plant generously during the growing season, typically between spring and fall. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer and apply it every fortnight to promote healthy growth.
The fertilizer should be diluted adequately and applied only when irrigation is necessary. Overfertilization should be avoided at all times.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential aspect of growing Disa tripetaloides var. aurata Bolus. The dead or yellow leaves should be removed as soon as they appear to maintain the plant's overall aesthetics.
The plant requires frequent desuckering, and once the flowers dry up, keep the stem attached to the plant and remove it only when it dies off completely. Make sure to sterilize the pruning equipment before use to minimize the risk of spreading any fungi or diseases.
Propagation of Disa tripetaloides var. aurata
The propagation of Disa tripetaloides var. aurata can be done through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
The plant produces tiny seeds that can be harvested after the capsules have matured and dehisced (split open). After collection, they should be stratified for six to eight weeks at 4 to 5 °C in damp, sterile vermiculite to simulate the natural winter dormancy.
After stratification, the seeds can be sown in a fine, well-draining, acidic medium such as moss, perlite, and bark chips for germination. The seedlings can be transplanted to individual pots and grown in optimal conditions until they reach maturity.
Asexual Propagation
Disa tripetaloides var. aurata can also be propagated asexually through division. This method involves the splitting of plant clumps into individual plantlets.
The best time to divide the plant is during the late winter or early spring, just before the new growth starts. The clump should be dug up and the rhizomes separated into sections with a portion of the previous year's pseudobulb along with healthy roots and leaves attached. The divided plantlets can be potted in a well-draining medium and kept in a warm, humid environment until they have established themselves.
The newly propagated plants should be watered frequently until they are fully established and can be treated as mature plants.
Disease Management
Disa tripetaloides (L.f.) N.E.Br. var. aurata Bolus is a stunning orchid with beautiful yellow and green flowers. However, like other plants, it is susceptible to diseases that can damage it. Here are some common diseases of Disa tripetaloides (L.f.) N.E.Br. var. aurata Bolus and how to manage them:
Fungal Diseases
Fungal diseases are common problems for Disa tripetaloides (L.f.) N.E.Br. var. aurata Bolus. These diseases are spread by spores that can infect the plant through wounds or cuts. Symptoms of fungal diseases include wilting, yellowing leaves, and white powdery spots. To manage fungal diseases, you can use fungicides such as copper-based sprays or neem oil. Make sure to read the label directions before applying the fungicide. Also, avoid overwatering the plant, as excessive moisture can encourage fungal growth.
Bacterial Diseases
Bacterial diseases can also affect Disa tripetaloides (L.f.) N.E.Br. var. aurata Bolus. These diseases are usually caused by poor hygiene practices, such as using contaminated tools or overwatering the plant. Symptoms of bacterial diseases include water-soaked spots on the leaves, yellowing, and stunted growth. To manage bacterial diseases, remove any infected plant parts and apply a copper-based fungicide. Also, make sure to sterilize your gardening tools before using them on the plant to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Pest Management
Although Disa tripetaloides (L.f.) N.E.Br. var. aurata Bolus is relatively pest-resistant, it can still be affected by common orchid pests. Here are some pests that can affect the plant and how to manage them:
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that can suck the sap from Disa tripetaloides (L.f.) N.E.Br. var. aurata Bolus. These pests are difficult to spot but can cause significant damage to the plant if left untreated. Symptoms of spider mite infestation include yellowing, drooping leaves, and webs on the plant. To manage spider mites, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Also, avoid over-fertilizing the plant, as excessive nitrogen can attract spider mites.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are another common pest of Disa tripetaloides (L.f.) N.E.Br. var. aurata Bolus. These pests look like small bumps on the plant and can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To manage scale insects, you can use rubbing alcohol or neem oil. Also, make sure to prune any heavily infested parts of the plant and dispose of them properly to prevent the spread of insects.
