Family: Orchidaceae

This genus of terrestrial orchids comprises about 100 species native to southern and tropi­cal Africa, and Madagascar. Mostly grown by specialists in the past, they are now becoming more widely available. Although they suppos­edly originate from hot regions, these orchids do not like either extreme heat or cold.

Species

D. uniflora is the most commonly cul­tivated species, producing between three and seven large flowers of bright scarlet with yellow veins, generally in midsummer.

Cultivation

It is not easy to provide the condi­tions required by this genus. Disas should be grown in a mix of sphagnum moss, coir peat and bark. Keep them in a shady, cool to inter-mediate greenhouse with high humidity. Water well in summer but avoid overhead watering as the foliage is prone to rot. Keep the compost almost dry in winter.

Climate

Zone 10 at least.