Plants in genus disa
Disa uniflora
Disa uniflora is a striking South African orchid known for its large, vibrant red flowers. It thrives in greenhouse conditions with partial shade and requires a consistent supply of distilled water. This orchid is not frost hardy and prefers cooler roots, making it sensitive to high temperatures. It naturally grows in the sandstone mountains of the South Western Cape, often near waterfalls and streams. The plant is a perennial that can reach heights of 6 to 24 inches and spreads through stolons. Its blooms, appearing in summer, are pollinated by the mountain pride butterfly. The flowers feature a unique combination of scarlet, carmine, and yellow hues, with a distinctive pinkish middle sepal. Disa uniflora is the type species of its genus and is also known by its former name, Disa grandiflora.
Disa kewensis
Disa kewensis is a striking hybrid orchid known for its bright pink flowers. It thrives in greenhouse conditions or partial light and requires distilled or reverse osmosis water. This plant prefers a temperature range of 30-80°F and is not frost hardy, disliking high heat. It benefits from a temperature drop and is best grown with some shade. The plant is typically kept in a small saucer of water to maintain its moisture needs.