Origin
Calvoa jacques-felixii E.Figueiredo, also known as Jacques Felix's calvoa, is a plant species of the family Gesneriaceae. It is endemic to Brazil and was first discovered in the Espinhaçon Mountain Range at the São Gonçalo do Rio das Pedras municipality in Minas Gerais in 1966.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Jacques Felix's calvoa, after the French botanist, Jacques Felix (1825-1894), who collected many Brazilian plants in the 19th century.
Uses
Calvoa jacques-felixii is known for its ornamental value and is often grown as a houseplant. It is also used for its medicinal properties, as it contains several active compounds that have been traditionally used to treat inflammation and fever.
General Appearance
Calvoa jacques-felixii is a small, evergreen epiphyte that can grow up to 20 cm in height. It has fleshy, elongated leaves that are dark green in color and have slightly serrated edges. The plant produces pink, bell-shaped flowers with prominent stamens that bloom in clusters at the end of the stem. The fruit is a small, green capsule that contains many tiny seeds.
Light Requirements
Calvoa jacques-felixii E.Figueiredo thrives in bright, indirect light conditions. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so it is best to place the plant in a location with filtered or diffused light. North-facing windows or east-facing windows are ideal for this plant.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to tropical regions and requires warm and humid conditions to grow healthy. The ideal temperature range for Calvoa jacques-felixii E.Figueiredo is between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Temperatures below 60°F (15°C) can stunt growth and cause the leaves to turn yellow. Avoid exposing the plant to sudden temperature changes or drafts, which can lead to stress and damage.
Soil Requirements
Calvoa jacques-felixii E.Figueiredo prefers a well-draining and fertile soil mix. A combination of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite can provide excellent drainage and aeration. It is essential to ensure that the soil stays moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot. Adding a layer of mulch on top of the soil can also help to retain moisture and nutrients.
Cultivation Methods
Calvoa jacques-felixii, also known as the Pink Quill, belongs to the Bromeliaceae family, and it is native to Brazil. It is a stunning plant that is quite easy to maintain. When it comes to cultivation, it needs well-draining soil, indirect sunlight, and warm temperatures. You can plant it in a pot or a hanging basket and use a soil mix that consists of peat moss, perlite, and bark. Ensure that the pot has drainage holes to avoid overwatering.
Watering Needs
The Pink Quill requires regular watering to thrive, but it should not suffer from overwatering. You should water it once a week, but make sure the soil is not soggy. You can water it by pouring water into the center of the plant and emptying the excess water in the saucer beneath the pot. The plant absorbs water through its leaves. Ensure that you avoid letting the water touch the base of the plant because this can cause rotting.
Fertilization
The Pink Quill requires minimal fertilization because it is an epiphyte, which means it grows on other plants without drawing nutrients directly from the soil. You can fertilize it once a month during the growing season using a balanced and diluted solution. Fertilization promotes growth and ensures the plant has sufficient nutrients to produce healthy and colorful blooms.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the Pink Quill's appearance and ensure that it blooms frequently. You can trim off dead or wilted leaves or bloom stalks using a sharp and sterilized pair of scissors or pruning shears. If you want to propagate the plant, you can remove the pups that grow around the base of the mother plant, and pot them in a well-draining soil mix.
Propagation of Calvoa jacques-felixii E.Figueiredo
Calvoa jacques-felixii E.Figueiredo can be propagated through both seeds and cuttings. However, cuttings are the preferred method as it ensures that the new plant will have the same characteristics as the parent plant.
Propagation by cuttings
To propagate Calvoa jacques-felixii E.Figueiredo using cuttings, it is important to take a stem cutting from healthy parent plants. Using a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears, cut off a healthy stem about five inches long. Make sure that the cutting has at least two or three nodes that can produce new roots and leaves.
Next, remove the bottom leaves, leaving only one or two pairs of leaves on the stem. Dip the cut end of the stem into a rooting hormone, then plant it in a pot with a well-draining potting mix. Water the plant well and keep it in a warm, humid spot with bright, indirect light.
After a few weeks, the stem should start producing new roots. Once the roots are about an inch long, the cutting can be transplanted into a larger pot or into the ground.
Propagation by seeds
If propagating Calvoa jacques-felixii E.Figueiredo by seeds, make sure the seeds are from a healthy parent plant. Collect the seeds once the flowers have dried and the seed pods have turned brown.
Soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours, then plant them in a tray of seed-starting mix. Keep the tray in a warm, humid spot with bright, indirect light. The seeds should germinate in about two weeks.
Once the seedlings have produced their second set of leaves, they can be transplanted into their own pots or into the ground. However, it is important to note that propagating Calvoa jacques-felixii E.Figueiredo from seeds may not produce plants with the same characteristics as the parent plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Calvoa jacques-felixii
Calvoa jacques-felixii is a plant known for its beautiful foliage, making it a popular choice for indoor decoration. However, like any other plant, it is prone to diseases and pests that can affect its growth and overall health. Below are some common diseases and pests that may affect Calvoa jacques-felixii, as well as ways to manage them.
Diseases
Leaf spot and powdery mildew are the most common diseases that affect Calvoa jacques-felixii. Leaf spot disease results in yellow and brown spots on the leaves, while powdery mildew is characterized by a white powder-like substance on the leaves and stem.
To manage leaf spot, remove the affected leaves and improve air circulation around the plant. You can also apply a fungicide to prevent the spread of the disease. For powdery mildew, wipe the affected leaves with a damp cloth, and spray with a fungicide. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the plant and keep the humidity levels low.
Pests
Calvoa jacques-felixii is susceptible to the attack of mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. Mealybugs are usually found in clusters on the underside of the leaves, while spider mites create small webs on the leaves and stem. Scale insects appear as small bumps on the stem of the plant.
To manage mealybugs, wipe them off with a damp cloth or cotton swab dipped in alcohol. For spider mites, remove the affected leaves and spray the plant with a solution of soap and water or use an insecticidal soap. To control scale insects, wipe the affected areas with alcohol or use an insecticidal soap. Regularly check your plant for any signs of infestation, and isolate the plant to prevent the spread of the pests.
By practicing good sanitation and regularly inspecting your Calvoa jacques-felixii, you can prevent diseases and pests from affecting its growth and maintaining its health.
