Origin
Calopsis incurvata, also known as Thunbergia incurvata, is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Acanthaceae. The plant is native to tropical regions of Africa, including Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
Common Names
The common names for Calopsis incurvata include Bush Clockvine, Climbing Clock Vine, and Blue Trumpet Vine.
Uses
Calopsis incurvata is mainly cultivated for ornamental purposes. The plant's lovely blue trumpet-shaped flowers bloom throughout the year and are a striking addition to any garden or balcony. The flowers are also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as headaches, respiratory problems, and fever.
General Appearance
Calopsis incurvata is a climbing perennial plant that can grow up to 5 meters in length. It has triangular leaves that measure up to 8 centimeters long and are arranged in opposite pairs on the stems. The plant's stunning blue flowers have a curved trumpeted shape and grow in clusters at the end of the stem. Each flower has five petals and a yellow center. The plant is relatively easy to grow and prefers well-drained soil, partial shade, and regular watering.
Light Requirements
Calopsis incurvata typically grows under partial shade conditions. The plant cannot withstand direct sunlight and may show signs of leaf scorching or yellowing. In its natural habitat, the plant prefers to grow under the canopy of trees or in places where the sunlight is filtered. In an artificial setting, growers may provide shade cloth or use curtains to filter out the direct sun.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers to grow in average or warm temperatures. The ideal temperature range for Calopsis incurvata growth is between 64°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C). Lower temperatures may hinder growth and lead to leaf drop. The plant cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures, which may damage its parts.
Soil Requirements
Calopsis incurvata needs well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.0 is ideal for its growth. The plant cannot thrive in waterlogged soil or soil that has poor drainage. Growers should add compost or other organic matter to the soil to improve its fertility and water-holding capacity.
Cultivation Methods for Calopsis Incurvata (Thunb.) Kunth
Calopsis incurvata is an epiphytic plant that grows well when anchored to trees or other plants. It is commonly found growing on the bark of trees in tropical rainforests. If you want to cultivate the plant, you need to provide it with the right growing conditions that mimic its natural habitat. You can do this by mounting the plant on a tree or putting it in a large container filled with bark, moss, and perlite.
Watering Needs for Calopsis Incurvata (Thunb.) Kunth
Calopsis incurvata prefers to be kept moist, but not waterlogged. It requires high humidity levels to thrive, so make sure to keep the growing environment humid. You can achieve this by regularly misting the plant or placing a humidifier nearby. Also, Calopsis incurvata has a shallow root system, so it cannot capture water from the soil as effectively as other plants. Therefore, it requires frequent watering. Water the plant frequently during the growing season (spring and summer) and reduce watering during winter when the plant enters dormancy.
Fertilization for Calopsis Incurvata (Thunb.) Kunth
Fertilizing Calopsis incurvata is essential to keep it healthy and promote growth. You can use a balanced fertilizer that has a higher nitrogen content during the growing season to encourage leaf formation. Conversely, use a lower nitrogen content fertilizer in winter to reduce the growth rate. You can add some fertilizer to the water when you water the plant, or you can apply a slow-release fertilizer to the bark/moss mixture in the container/terrarium.
Pruning for Calopsis Incurvata (Thunb.) Kunth
Calopsis incurvata does not require pruning since it is a relatively slow-growing plant. However, you can remove any dead leaves to keep the plant healthy and tidy. Additionally, you can trim the aerial roots to make the plant look neater. Do not remove more than one-third of the plant at one time since it may stress the plant and reduce its growth rate.
Propagation of Calopsis Incurvata
Calopsis incurvata can be propagated through various methods. The following describes a few techniques:
Seed Propagation
One of the easiest ways to propagate Calopsis incurvata is through seeds. Seeds can be collected from mature fruits and should be sown as soon as possible. The seeds should be thoroughly washed and then soaked in water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat. After soaking, the seeds can be sown in a well-draining potting mix. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep them moist. Germination can take up to 60 days.
Cutting Propagation
Calopsis incurvata can also be propagated through cuttings. Select a healthy stem and cut it below a node. Remove the bottom leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Place the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and keep it moist. It is best to propagate the plant in the spring when new growth is emerging. Rooting typically occurs within 3-4 weeks.
Division Propagation
Calopsis incurvata can be propagated through division. Gently remove the plant from its container and carefully separate the root ball into smaller sections. Each section should have several stems and a healthy root system. Replant the smaller sections in separate containers and keep them moist. Division is best done in the spring.
Disease Management for Calopsis Incurvata
Calopsis incurvata is relatively resistant to most diseases that affect other similar plant species, thanks to its hardiness and resistance to drought. However, certain fungal diseases may still affect it under certain conditions. The following are some common fungal diseases that affect Calopsis incurvata:
- Root Rot: This is caused by various fungal pathogens, and it can be triggered by waterlogging or poorly-drained soils. Symptoms of root rot include yellowed foliage, stunted growth and wilting. To manage the disease, ensure that you plant the Calopsis incurvata in well-drained soil and avoid overwatering or waterlogging. Additionally, any infected plants may need to be destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by fungal pathogens such as Cercospora and Phyllosticta, which cause the development of circular, brown spots on the leaves. Leaf spot can spread quickly in moist environments, and it can weaken the plant. To manage it, remove and destroy infected leaves and keep the area around the plant clean and dry. You may also use fungicides to control the disease.
Pest Management for Calopsis Incurvata
Calopsis incurvata is also relatively resistant to pests. However, certain insects may still target it. The following are some common pests that affect Calopsis incurvata:
- Mealybugs: These are small, white insects that suck the sap from tender shoots, causing them to wilt and die. To manage mealybugs, you can wipe them off using a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or insecticidal soap. You may also apply insecticides to control them.
- Aphids: These are small, pear-shaped insects that suck the sap from leaves and tender shoots, causing them to curl and turn yellow. To manage them, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings, which prey on aphids.
