Disa tripetaloides is said to be the easiest evergreen species to cultivate. Growing indigenous orchids requires dedication, time and attention throughout the year. It is important to study and understand the natural habitat, climatic conditions and the growth cycle of the plant; this will assist you in growing, maintaining and cultivating the plant successfully.

During winter the plant growth is slow and speeds up as the temperature increases during spring and summer. In late spring (late October beginning November), Disa tripetaloides develops a flowering stalk from the leaf rosettes, indicating the beginning of its flowering season.

Disa tripetaloides grows in full sun on mountain slopes and similar conditions should be maintained in cultivation (nurseries). The ideal temperature in greenhouses is 24°C. Plants can tolerate winter temperatures of between 5-15°C and summer temperatures should not exceed 30°C. To keep the greenhouse cool, hose it down with water. It is important in cultivation to keep the soil and roots cool. Do not allow plants to dry out. Optimum humidity is 60%. Good air movement is essential, as hot, dry air or winds are fatal to the plants. During the spring and summer (growing season) exposure to bright light or filtered sunlight contributes to healthy plants and flower colour development. Place the plants on benches or metal racks erected against the wall to hold drip trays covered with shade cloth.

Plants are grown in 10-15 cm pots, filled with a well-drained soil medium of silica grit, palm peat and sand. A coarse medium encourages good drainage and prevents waterlogging. A layer of stone chips is placed at the bottom of the pot to encourage good drainage and aeration. Watering should be done early in the morning. The pH value of the water ranges between 5 and 6 (acidic) and should be low in salt. Watering depends on the season. In summer, water 3 to 4 times a week and in winter watering is reduced to twice a week, preventing fungal and bacterial rot. Ordinary tap water can be used, ensure it is not heavily chlorinated. Fill a bucket of water overnight to allow chlorine to evaporate before use. Over-watering can result in a soggy medium causing root rot. Apply overhead watering, using a hand-held hose, sprinkler or watering can.

Feed plants during the active growing season (early spring to summer) as temperature and light intensity increase vegetative growth and photosynthesis. Feed with an inorganic fertilizer. Apply a foliar feed once a month. At this stage, plants absorb more nutrients, mature, and become more vigorous and robust. After the flowering spike emerges, the plant develops a new tuber. After the flowers have died, the flower stem turns yellow and dies back and the excess nutrients are absorbed by the replacement tubers.

The tuber takes about three months to develop healthy roots and leaves. The new plant will flower in the next season. Its survival depends on the development of the tuber and over-feeding prevents it from developing. Stop feeding it once the flowers have wilted. Excessive application of nitrogen is detrimental, causing the plant to develop weak flowering stems, lax and soft growth.

Re-pot in autumn once the flower stalk has died and new growth is vigorous. Remove old soil, decaying roots and the old tuber, wash in a fungicide, add new soil and water.

Disa tripetaloides produces stolons (underground stems) which give rise to new plants and tubers. Plants form clumps of 4-6 individuals that can be divided during re-potting.

Sow seeds in autumn on washed peat or sphagnum moss. Fill the bottom of the pot with a layer of stone chips, a mixture of silica grit, sand and peat and top up with a layer of peat. Water well and sow a thin layer of seeds on the surface. Spray with a suitable fungicide, e.g. Kaptan. Use clear plastic to cover the pot, held in place with a rubber band, or use a clear pane of glass. Place in a shady position and germination will take place after four weeks.

Keep medium moist, by placing the pot in a tray of water. Pots can also be soaked in a bucket of water, but do not allow the seeds to float in the water, or use a spraying can. Regular inspection will detect any fungal infection or diseases and treat with an appropriate fungicide. Remove the plastic cover or glass gradually as the young seedlings develop. Once the covering is removed and plants have adapted to the environment, prick out the seedlings and pot. Transfer the year-old seedlings into a fresh medium consisting of equal parts coarse river sand and peat and keep under shade; they will grow rapidly during the second year. The first flower forms during the third year. Re-pot every year.

Aphids, red spider mite, caterpillars and gall midge fly are common pests of disas and are treated successfully using the correct insecticides and application rates. The presence of red spider mite and thrips indicate that the environment is too warm for the disas. A cooler environment will reduce their activity. Warm, dry, humid conditions cause diseases such as crown rot and damping off-treat with a suitable fungicide. Keeping the environment clean, removing dead or rotted leaves and avoiding over-watering will reduce pest and disease attacks.