Overview
Aulacocalyx diervilleoides (K.Schum.) E.M.A.Petit subsp. mufindiensis Verdc., also known as the Mufindi African violet, is a flowering plant in the Gesneriaceae family.
Origin
Aulacocalyx diervilleoides subsp. mufindiensis is native to Tanzania, specifically in the Mufindi Highlands.
Common Names
The Mufindi African violet is also known by its common name, the Mufindi violet.
Appearance
Aulacocalyx diervilleoides subsp. mufindiensis is a small perennial herb that grows up to 15 centimeters in height. Its leaves are hairless and heart-shaped, measuring 2.5 to 4 centimeters long and 2.5 to 6.5 centimeters wide. The plant's flowers are purple to violet in color and appear in small clusters on short stalks.
Uses
The Mufindi African violet is primarily grown as an ornamental plant due to its attractive leaves and flowers. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including inflammation and wounds.
Light Requirements
Aulacocalyx diervilleoides subsp. mufindiensis prefers bright but filtered light. It thrives in partial shade to full shade conditions and is intolerant of direct sunlight for extended periods of time. In its natural habitat, this plant grows under the canopy of larger trees, receiving diffused light. Therefore, it is best to place the plant in a location where it can receive bright, indirect light for a few hours but is shaded by trees or other buildings during the intense midday heat.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the Aulacocalyx diervilleoides subsp. mufindiensis plant is between 18°C to 27°C, making it best suited to a tropical or subtropical climate. This plant is sensitive to cold temperatures and cannot tolerate frost and freezing temperatures at all. Therefore, it is recommended to keep the plant inside during winters or in colder climates. Additionally, the plant will struggle to grow if temperatures are consistently above 35°C, so avoid exposing it to prolonged periods of high heat.
Soil Requirements
Aulacocalyx diervilleoides subsp. mufindiensis prefers soil that is well-draining, moist but not waterlogged, and rich in organic matter. The plant needs a soil mix that can hold moisture, but at the same time, it should not be too heavy or compact. A well-aerated potting mix that includes peat moss, perlite, and sand in a 2:1:1 ratio can be ideal for this plant. This plant can also do well in soils with a slightly acidic pH, ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. It is important to keep the soil uniformly moist all the time; therefore, you should water the plant frequently but ensure that the soil does not become waterlogged.
Cultivation Method for Aulacocalyx diervilleoides subsp. mufindiensis
Aulacocalyx diervilleoides subsp. mufindiensis is a tropical plant that requires a warm and humid environment to thrive. It is best grown in a greenhouse or indoors, where you can control the temperature and humidity levels. The ideal temperature for this plant is between 70-80°F (21-27°C). It prefers partial shade to full shade and well-draining, loose soil.
Watering Needs for Aulacocalyx diervilleoides subsp. mufindiensis
The watering needs of this plant vary depending on the season and the environment it is growing in. During the growing season, it requires regular watering to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. It is important to allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering to prevent root rot. In the winter months, reduce watering and allow the soil to dry out more before watering again.
Fertilization for Aulacocalyx diervilleoides subsp. mufindiensis
Fertilize your Aulacocalyx diervilleoides subsp. mufindiensis plant every two weeks during the growing season, using a balanced fertilizer. Do not fertilize during the winter months when the plant is dormant. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to salt buildup in the soil, which can harm the plant.
Pruning for Aulacocalyx diervilleoides subsp. mufindiensis
To keep your Aulacocalyx diervilleoides subsp. mufindiensis plant looking its best, prune it regularly. Remove any yellow or brown leaves, as well as any dead or damaged branches. Pruning will also help promote bushier growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy.
Propagation of Aulacocalyx diervilleoides (K.Schum.) E.M.A.Petit subsp. mufindiensis Verdc.)
Aulacocalyx diervilleoides (K.Schum.) E.M.A.Petit subsp. mufindiensis Verdc. is a plant of the family Rubiaceae native to Tanzania. This plant can be propagated either by using seeds or through vegetative propagation methods, such as stem cuttings or root division. Propagation by stem cuttings is the most common and easy method to propagate Aulacocalyx diervilleoides (K.Schum.) E.M.A.Petit subsp. mufindiensis Verdc.
Propagation by stem cuttings
Stem cuttings are taken from the mother plant and then rooted in a suitable medium. The best time to take cuttings is during the growing season of the plant. Cuttings should be taken from healthy and well-developed plants. Using a sharp and clean knife, cut a stem section with 2-3 nodes and remove the bottom leaves.
The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone powder, preferably containing indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), to enhance root formation. Insert the treated cutting into a suitable rooting medium, such as soil mixed with sand or perlite, to ensure proper drainage and water retention.
The cuttings should be kept in a warm and humid environment, away from direct sunlight, until roots develop. Once roots are established, transfer the cutting into a pot with suitable potting soil and water regularly to encourage growth.
Propagation by root division
Propagation by root division involves dividing the root system of an established plant into several sections. This method is best done during the dormant season of the plant. Dig up the mother plant carefully and gently remove the soil from the root system.
Using a sharp and clean knife, divide the root system into several sections, ensuring that each section has several roots and shoots. Each section can then be replanted into a separate pot with suitable potting soil and watered regularly to encourage growth.
Propagation by seed is also possible for Aulacocalyx diervilleoides but it is a more complicated process as seed germination rates can be low, and the seeds require specific conditions for proper germination and growth.
Disease and Pest Management for Aulacocalyx diervilleoides subsp. mufindiensis
Aulacocalyx diervilleoides subsp. mufindiensis is a beautiful and unique plant that requires proper disease and pest management for optimal growth and maintenance. Some common diseases and pests that may affect this plant are:
Diseases:
Leaf Spot: This is a fungal disease that causes small, circular spots on the leaves of the plant. The spots may be yellow, brown or black, and may grow to form larger patches that turn the leaves to yellow and then to brown. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy the affected leaves and avoid overhead watering. Apply fungicides to protect the remaining leaves.
Root Rot: Root rot is caused by a fungal infection that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to decay and eventually leading to plant death. To manage root rot, avoid over-watering and waterlogged soil. Improve soil drainage and apply fungicides to the soil surrounding the plant's roots.
Pests:
Aphids: These are tiny insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing the leaves to curl and turn yellow. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also introduce beneficial predators, such as ladybugs, into the plant's environment.
Caterpillars: These are the larvae of moths or butterflies that feed on the leaves of the plant. To manage caterpillars, remove and destroy the affected leaves and use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) or other organic insecticides.
Regular inspection and monitoring of plants is the first and most essential step in managing diseases and pests. Proper sanitation practices, such as removing and destroying affected plant parts, are also necessary to prevent and control the spread of diseases. For pest management, introducing natural predators or organic insecticides can aid in the control of insect infestations. Most importantly, provide optimal growing conditions, such as appropriate soil moisture and fertilization, to ensure plant health and resilience against stressors.
