Disa watsonii

[kiwiorchids]

I dont think i have seen any Disa orchids on here, even from our South African friends!
anyway, these orchids are PEANUTS to grow, just keep the blackbirds away from them...
The need to be grown in running water 24/7 (eg a roof gutter on a 20-30* angle with a pumping system) or in a container with about 1-2 inches of clean water replaced every few days. EASY PEASY

[seetmei]

I am really new to orchids and I am glad I am in this forum. Have not seen this type before and am wondering whether we have this type in Malaysia.

[kiwiorchids]

you might Seet, its a South African group and they are terrestrial. Here we grow them in straight sphag. They are also (if memory serves) the only orchids in the world to grown direct in water. I think flasks are easy to get a hold of too, so search on the net from Aussie and NZ growers, and if your not sure, just ask us

[Kmac]

Lovely!
Thanks for posting this...I have thought about trying Disas, but the running water requirement has made me hesitate. What are the temp requirements?

[catttan]

I am really new to orchids and I am glad I am in this forum. Have not seen this type before and am wondering whether we have this type in Malaysia.

In my nearly 50 years of growing orchids in Malaysia, I have not met anyone who grows Dis - the main reason being that it is cool growing. It is found growing near fast flowing streams in its home on the Table Mountain in South Africa. The first time I saw ' live' Disa was during the 19th World Orchid Conference in Kuala Lumpur. I thought they were gorgeous especially the red and orange unifloras.

[walingwaling]

never heard of it before, very interesting and thanks for showing Jordan!

[kiwiorchids]

hey no problem guys,
and Kathi,
i grow them cool, in a polystyrene box, and i tip out the old water after about a week, and replace it, adding a bit of "worm juice" to the water and BAM that sets them on fire! In winter here, it gets as low as -10*C and my disas are just outside under the awnings, and out of the frost. 50/50 shade i find is good, but evidently to flower them (that one was in bud when i got it, never flowered one before hehe) well, they need about 75/25 sun/shade, and intermediate temperatures.

[zainal abidin]

Anyway your Disa look so nice, though cannot grow here but really enjoy your photo Jordan

[kiwiorchids]

Im sure you could, i have seen them grown in 25*C+ temperatures, and the do much better....its just a case of finding some

[panam]

Running water, huh? That's so interesting. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience, Jordan, as well as the lovely pictures.