MOST IMPORTANT SPECIFIC CULTIVATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR DISA

MOST IMPORTANT SPECIFIC CULTIVATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR DISA.

Temperature ; Preferable frost free , between 0 °C and 35 ° C , root system always below 25 ° C .

Light ; As much as possible avoiding warming up of the root system , practically full light in winter , 50 % in summer .

Humidity ; Air at least 50 % , compost always humid , never allowed to dry out .

Compost ; Pure washed quartz , aquarium sand quality ,1- to 2 mm particles , 2- to 5 mm for drainage and cover . Sphagnum , peat and pumice gravel can be used in mixes as well, but these substances destabilize pH after time . Pay special attention to salt build up of compost . Regular rinsing with low salt water is a must .

Repotting ; In autumn , when old growth dies off and new one is already well developed.

Water quality ; Most important factor in disa cultivation , very low salt content , always below 250µ Siemens conductivity .pH . of water should be between 4.5 and 6.5 , ideal being 5.4 both for irrigation water and drainage-water . In most cases rainwater is very suitable .

Fertiliser ; Best is using high quality chemical fertiliser dissolved in the water up to 200 µ Siemens in growing stage , and no more than 100 µ Siemens in winter period and during one month after flowering .

Protection ; Avoid pest and disease by giving well balanced growing conditions and as much air movement as possible . In winter when greenhouse is closed over a longer period , some protection of systemic fungicides is preferable .Never use strong solutions , disa leaves are very sensitive . Insects can easily be controlled by carnivorous plants ( need same growing conditions ) and glue traps .