Calophanes Trichocalyx Oliv.

Overview of Calophanes trichocalyx Oliv.

Calophanes trichocalyx Oliv., also known as the White Hoya, is a flowering plant in the Asclepiadaceae family. It is native to Southeast Asia, specifically found in Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos. This plant is a woody vine that grows on other vegetation, reaching up to a height of 10 meters.

Appearance of Calophanes trichocalyx Oliv.

The White Hoya has slender, twining stems that can grow up to 2 cm in diameter, with irregularly-shaped leaves that are glossy green on the upper surface and pale on the lower surface. The plant produces small, fragrant white flowers that measure around 1 cm in diameter, each with five triangular lobes.

Common Names of Calophanes trichocalyx Oliv.

In addition to the White Hoya, Calophanes trichocalyx Oliv. goes by several other common names, including: - Chom-phi-kun (Thai) - Dông tiên (Vietnamese) - Phayaong in Thai

Uses of Calophanes trichocalyx Oliv.

The White Hoya is a popular indoor plant due to its attractive foliage and fragrant flowers. It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens or as a houseplant. The plant is easy to propagate from stem cuttings and is fairly low maintenance, making it a popular choice among gardeners. Moreover, it is believed that Calophanes trichocalyx Oliv. has medicinal properties and has been used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments like fever and headache. However, the specific medicinal uses and efficacy of this plant have not been extensively studied yet.

Light Requirements

Calophanes trichocalyx Oliv. is a plant that requires bright, indirect light to grow. It can also tolerate some direct sunlight but not for extended periods. It is best to place the plant near a window with filtered light.

Temperature Requirements

The optimal temperature range for Calophanes trichocalyx Oliv. is between 18°C and 25°C. It can tolerate higher temperatures but not below 15°C. It is important to protect the plant from sudden temperature changes or drafts, as this can cause damage to the foliage.

Soil Requirements

Calophanes trichocalyx Oliv. thrives in well-draining soil with good aeration. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and coarse sand is adequate for its growth. The soil should be kept moist but not wet, as overwatering can lead to root rot.

Cultivation Methods

Calophanes trichocalyx Oliv. is a delicate plant species with a low drought tolerance and is best grown in a partial sheltered environment with moderately fertile soil. By matching these conditions, the growth and development of the plant can be optimized.

Watering Needs

Watering Calophanes trichocalyx Oliv. is essential for its growth and survival. To maintain the hydration levels in the soil and prevent the soil from drying out, it is recommended that the plant should be watered regularly, preferably once a week. The amount of water should be sufficient to moisten the soil to a depth of at least 3 inches.

Fertilization

Calophanes trichocalyx Oliv. requires a moderate amount of fertilizer to grow and develop optimally. A balanced fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is recommended. The fertilizer should be applied once every month during the growth period to ensure maximum growth and promote flowering.

Pruning

Pruning Calophanes trichocalyx Oliv. is necessary to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth. Pruning should be done during the dormant season or at the end of the flowering period. Dead or diseased stems and branches should be removed as soon as they are noticed. This will help to reduce the risk of pests and diseases and promote healthy growth.

Propagation of Calophanes trichocalyx Oliv.

Calophanes trichocalyx Oliv. is commonly known as the White Calophanes. Propagation of this plant can be done through two methods - seed propagation and vegetative propagation.

Seed propagation

Seeds of Calophanes trichocalyx Oliv. can be propagated in trays filled with well-draining potting soil. The soil should be watered before sowing the seeds. The seeds are small, so they need to be sown superficially and covered with a thin layer of soil.

The trays should be placed in a warm, bright place, and should be watered regularly to ensure the soil doesn't dry out. Germination should take place within three to four weeks. Once the seedlings are strong enough to handle, they can be transferred to larger individual pots and grown in a greenhouse until they are large enough to be planted outside.

Vegetative propagation

Vegetative propagation of Calophanes trichocalyx Oliv. can be done by taking stem cuttings in the spring or early summer. Choose healthy stems that are around 5-6 inches long and cut them just below a node.

Remove the leaves from the bottom two-thirds of the cutting and dip the base of the stem into rooting hormone powder. Place the stem in a well-draining potting soil mix and water the soil until it's moist, but not waterlogged.

The cuttings should be kept in a warm, humid place with bright, indirect sunlight. Mist the leaves and soil regularly to maintain humidity, and make sure the soil doesn't dry out. After about six to eight weeks, the cuttings should start to produce roots and can be transplanted to larger pots or planted outside when they are big enough.

Disease Management

Calophanes trichocalyx Oliv. is a hardy plant that is not typically prone to serious disease issues. However, there are a few diseases that can affect this plant, including:

• Root rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to rot. To prevent root rot, make sure the plant is not sitting in water and is planted in well-drained soil. In case of infection, it is recommended to remove the affected parts and replant in fresh soil.
• Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that causes small spots on the leaves. Remove any infected leaves immediately as they appear and avoid watering the leaves during the watering process. Proper air circulation and reducing leaf wetness can help prevent the spread of the disease.

Prevention is the best approach to managing diseases in Calophanes trichocalyx Oliv.. Ensure proper soil moisture, good drainage, and plenty of space to promote soil aeration and air circulation.

Pest Management

Several pests can damage Calophanes trichocalyx Oliv. Below are the common pests and suggested ways to manage them:

• Aphids: These are small insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing the leaves to yellow and curl. Aphids can be washed away using a strong stream of water or controlled by applying insecticidal soap.
• Cutworms: These are caterpillars that feed on the stem of the plant. To control cutworms, use a physical barrier such as a plastic collar to protect the plant stem.
• Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, causing them to yellow and die. The use of an insecticidal soap or neem oil can help control spider mites.
• Thrips: These are tiny insects that feed on the plant, causing an overall reduction in plant vigor and quality. To control thrips, use an insecticidal soap or pyrethrin-based insecticide.

Regular inspection of Calophanes trichocalyx Oliv. can help detect the presence of pests at an early stage, allowing for adequate control measures to be applied. Additionally, proper sanitation, regular watering, and fertilization can help promote plant health and reduce pest susceptibility.