Disa bracteata

Image: By Andrew massyn (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons

Description

A small erect red-flowered orchid of up to 30 cm. Like the rest of the Disa genus it has a single species of pollinator and commonly occurs in areas of mild disturbance.

Also known as Disa micrantha, Disa praetermissa, Monadenia bracteata, Monadenia micrantha

Propagation instructions - cuttings

Multiplies vegetatively by stolons which produce new plants and the species can therefore be propagated by division, which must be done at the right time of year.

Propagation instructions - seeds

However, the propagation by seeds is much more efficient. Seeds can be sown directly on peat or moss and need not be raised on agar in sterile flasks like most other orchids. Seedling trays are covered with foil to provide extra humidity. As soon as the seedlings are sufficiently vigorous, they can be transferred to a seedling mix and later to the ordinary substrate. Flowers can be expected after two to three years.

Sources and references

Scientific name

Disa bracteata

Common name(s)

Features

Vegetation types

Genus

Disa

Family

Orchidaceae