Overview
Calvoa sapinii De Wild. var. angolensis (A.Fern. & R.Fern.) Cavaco is a species of flowering plant in the family Melastomataceae. It is a woody shrub found in Angola.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as "mata-bicho" or "capado" in Angola.
Appearance
Calvoa sapinii De Wild. var. angolensis has dark green leaves and produces pink flowers that bloom from small buds. The shrub can grow up to 3 meters in height.
Uses
The plant is widely used in Angola for medicinal purposes. The leaves are boiled and used to treat stomach ailments and fever. Additionally, it is also used for decorative purposes.
Growth conditions for Calvoa sapinii De Wild. var. angolensis
Light: This plant prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves. Grow it in partial shade or filtered sunlight if you live in a hot climate.
Temperature: Calvoa sapinii De Wild. var. angolensis thrives in warm temperatures ranging from 18°C to 24°C. Keep it away from cold drafts and temperatures below 10°C as it may damage the plant.
Soil requirements: Use a well-draining soil mix with good moisture retention. The soil should have a pH of 5.5 to 6.5 and rich in organic matter, such as compost or peat moss. Avoid using heavy clayey soils as they retain excess water and poorly aerated.
Water: Keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to root stress or rotting, which can eventually kill the plant. Water the plant thoroughly when the top 2 to 3 inches of soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilizer: Feed the plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Use a half-strength solution to avoid over-fertilizing, which may burn the plant's roots.
Humidity: Calvoa sapinii De Wild. var. angolensis needs high humidity levels to thrive. Use a humidifier or place the pot on a tray of pebbles filled with water to increase the humidity around the plant. Mist the plant regularly to keep it moist.
Pruning: This plant doesn't require frequent pruning. However, remove any yellow or dead leaves to avoid the risk of fungal diseases. You can also prune the plant to maintain its shape and promote branching.
Propagation: Propagate Calvoa sapinii De Wild. var. angolensis from stem or leaf cuttings. Make sure the cuttings have at least one leaf node and place them in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and provide indirect light until new growth appears.
Cultivation Methods
Calvoa sapinii De Wild. var. angolensis (A.Fern. & R.Fern.) Cavaco is a tropical plant that requires warm temperatures and high humidity. It is usually grown indoors in containers or as a greenhouse plant. The plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight and well-draining soil. It grows well in a peat-based potting mix with added perlite or sand for better drainage. The plant can be propagated through stem cuttings or division of rhizomes.
Watering Needs
Calvoa sapinii De Wild. var. angolensis (A.Fern. & R.Fern.) Cavaco requires consistent watering, but the soil should not be waterlogged. Water the plant when the soil is just starting to dry out. Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage to prevent overwatering. During the growing season, the plant may require more frequent watering, especially if the weather is hot and dry.
Fertilization
Calvoa sapinii De Wild. var. angolensis (A.Fern. & R.Fern.) Cavaco benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer that contains equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer every two weeks or as directed on the label. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage the roots and foliage.
Pruning
Calvoa sapinii De Wild. var. angolensis (A.Fern. & R.Fern.) Cavaco requires minimal pruning. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves as they appear. Trim back any excessively long or leggy stems to promote bushier growth. Regularly inspect the plant for signs of pests or diseases, and take appropriate measures to address any issues.
Propagation of Calvoa sapinii De Wild. var. angolensis (A.Fern. & R.Fern.) Cavaco
Calvoa sapinii De Wild. var. angolensis (A.Fern. & R.Fern.) Cavaco is a beautiful evergreen shrub that is native to Angola. This plant belongs to the family Lamiaceae, and it can grow up to 4 meters in height. It has dense foliage that can be used for landscaping purposes. Propagation of this plant can be done through various methods, including:
Propagation by Cuttings
The most common method of propagation for Calvoa sapinii is through stem cuttings. Cuttings of 10 – 15 cm long can be taken from the parent plant and treated with rooting hormone. The cutting should be inserted into a pot with the appropriate soil mix to root. The soil mix should have good drainage and be kept moist. The cutting should be placed in a shaded location until it has rooted. After that, gradually expose the plant to sunlight.
Propagation by Seed
Calvoa sapinii can also be propagated by seed, but this method is less common. Seeds should be sowed in trays or pots with seed-starting mix. The seeds should be sown around 1 cm deep into the soil mix. Keep the soil mix moist and place the tray or pot in a shaded area. The seeds will germinate in around 3-4 weeks, and once seedlings have emerged, they should be slowly exposed to sunlight to prevent sunburn.
Propagation by Layering
Another method of propagation is layering, where a branch of the plant is bent down and partly buried in the soil. The buried part of the branch will develop roots and shoots. Once the new roots and shoots have emerged, the branch can be cut off from the parent plant and moved to a new location.
Propagation by cuttings is the most common method used to propagate Calvoa sapinii, as it is easy and effective. However, it is also possible to propagate this plant by seeds or layering. Regardless of the method used, it is important to ensure that the plant has enough water and fertiliser during the rooting phase.
Disease and Pest Management for Calvoa sapinii De Wild. Var. angolensis (A.Fern. & R.Fern.) Cavaco
Calvoa sapinii De Wild. var. angolensis (A.Fern. & R.Fern.) Cavaco is a plant native to the African rainforest. It is a popular houseplant due to its attractive foliage and low maintenance requirements. However, like any other plant, Calvoa sapinii is susceptible to various diseases and pests. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Anthracnose: This fungal disease affects various parts of the plant, including leaves, stems, and roots. It is characterized by dark, sunken lesions that eventually cause the affected tissue to die. Anthracnose is most common in wet and humid conditions. To manage this disease, remove and destroy any infected plant material and avoid overhead watering. Use a fungicide if necessary.
Root rot: This disease is caused by fungi that thrive in poorly-drained soil. It affects the roots, causing them to become soft, mushy, and discolored. Overwatering and poor drainage are the major causes of root rot. To manage this disease, improve soil drainage and avoid overwatering the plant. Remove and destroy any infected roots and use a fungicide if necessary.
Pests
Spider mites: These tiny pests are common in dry and dusty conditions. They feed on the plant sap, causing leaves to turn yellow and wither. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with water to remove dust and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the pests.
Mealybugs: These pests are commonly found in warm and humid conditions. They feed on the plant sap and produce a white, powdery wax that covers their bodies. Mealybugs can cause stunted growth and yellow leaves. To manage mealybugs, remove them from the plant using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the pests.
Regular inspections and proper care can help prevent diseases and pests from affecting Calvoa sapinii De Wild. var. angolensis (A.Fern. & R.Fern.) Cavaco. It is always better to prevent than to cure when it comes to plant health.
