Origin
Ipomoea alpina Rendle subsp. argyrophylla P.A.Duvign. & Dewit is a plant that belongs to the Ipomoea family. It is native to sub-Saharan Africa, specifically Ivory Coast, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Angola.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as silver-leaf morning glory, as it has a unique silver sheen on its leaves. Additionally, it is also referred to as bushy dawn flower and Alpine morning glory.
Uses
The silver-leaf morning glory has a variety of uses both traditional and medicinal. It is used in traditional African medicine to treat various health issues, including diarrhoea, fever, malaria, and respiratory problems.
The plant is also used to create handmade textiles in Nigeria, where the silver leaves are woven into the fabric to create a unique design. Additionally, it has been used in planting schemes for its ornamental value, thanks to its beautiful silver leaves.
General Appearance
The silver-leaf morning glory is a perennial twining vine that can grow up to 5 metres long. It has a woody subterranean stem that allows it to regenerate after disturbances, like bushfires. The leaves are silver-green, ovate-shaped, and have a velvety texture. The flowers are trumpet-shaped and can be pink, purple, or white, with a diameter of 10-15cm.
The plant can grow in a variety of soils and climatic conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and it can tolerate moderate to high levels of drought. It is a low maintenance plant that requires little to no pruning and can thrive in both urban and rural settings.
Light Requirements
Ipomoea alpina Rendle subsp. argyrophylla P.A.Duvign. & Dewit requires full sunlight exposure to thrive and achieve proper growth. It needs at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Lack of enough light hampers the growth and blooms of this plant.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows in cool and cold climates, thriving best in temperatures between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius. The plant will not grow well in areas with extreme temperatures. It requires a warm and mild temperature all through the growth cycle, ensuring that the plant thrives well and achieves proper growth.
Soil Requirements
The soil used in planting Ipomoea alpina Rendle subsp. argyrophylla P.A.Duvign. & Dewit should be slightly acidic, well-draining, and rich in organic matter. The soil pH level should be between 6 and 7 for proper growth and development of this plant. High-quality soil with a good nutrient and water supply should be chosen to enable the plant to flourish.
Cultivation methods
Ipomoea alpina Rendle subsp. argyrophylla P.A.Duvign. & Dewit is a fast-growing plant that requires well-drained soil with a high nutrient content for optimal growth. It is a sun-loving plant that thrives in direct sunlight, but it also tolerates partial shade. When planting, ensure that the soil is rich in organic matter and the pH is around 6.0 to 7.0.
Watering needs
Ipomoea alpina Rendle subsp. argyrophylla P.A.Duvign. & Dewit requires moderate watering throughout the growing season. Overwatering should be avoided, as it can lead to root rot and other plant diseases. The frequency of watering should be adjusted according to the weather conditions and the moisture level of the soil, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization
Ipomoea alpina Rendle subsp. argyrophylla P.A.Duvign. & Dewit requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and blooming. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 should be applied every two weeks during the growing season. Organic fertilizers such as compost or manure can also be used, but they should be incorporated into the soil before planting.
Pruning
Ipomoea alpina Rendle subsp. argyrophylla P.A.Duvign. & Dewit does not require frequent pruning. However, occasional pruning can help to promote branching and ensure a more compact growth habit. Pruning should be done in the early spring or late fall before the onset of the growing season. Dead or damaged branches should be removed, and the tips of the remaining branches can be pinched to encourage lateral growth.
Propagation of Ipomoea alpina Rendle subsp. argyrophylla P.A.Duvign. & Dewit
Ipomoea alpina Rendle subsp. argyrophylla P.A.Duvign. & Dewit can be propagated by several methods depending on the available resources, purpose, and conditions. Here are some of the proven propagation methods:
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common and easiest method to propagate Ipomoea alpina Rendle subsp. argyrophylla P.A.Duvign. & Dewit. Collect matured seeds from the plant and keep them in a dry and cool place. Sow the seeds in a well-drained soil mix about 1/4 inch deep and keep the soil moist. Germination usually occurs within two weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted to their final location after they reach a size of 3 - 4 inches.
Cuttings propagation
Ipomoea alpina Rendle subsp. argyrophylla P.A.Duvign. & Dewit can also be propagated by cuttings, particularly during the growing season. Take cuttings of about 6 - 8 inches long from the tip of the plant and remove the leaves from the bottom one-third of the stem. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it in a well-drained soil mix or a container filled with water. Maintain moisture and humidity until the cutting develops roots, which usually take around three to four weeks.
Division propagation
Ipomoea alpina Rendle subsp. argyrophylla P.A.Duvign. & Dewit can also be propagated by division, which is ideal for mature and fully grown plants. Carefully uproot the plant and divide the root system into two or more parts, making sure that each part has enough roots and foliage to support it. Replant the divided sections in separate containers or outdoor locations, and water them regularly for the first few weeks until they become established.
Grafting propagation
Grafting is another method of propagating Ipomoea alpina Rendle subsp. argyrophylla P.A.Duvign. & Dewit but is usually not practical for home gardeners. It involves taking a cutting or scion from the desired plant and grafting it onto a different rootstock. This method requires special expertise and equipment, usually performed by horticulturists and professional growers.
Disease Management:
Ipomoea alpina subsp. argyrophylla is typically a hardy plant species that is generally resistant to a broad range of diseases. However, this plant may get affected by common plant diseases such as root rot, powdery mildew, and leaf spot.
To manage root rot disease in Ipomoea alpina subsp. argyrophylla, it's essential to ensure the soil isn't too wet as this can lead to root rot. Avoid overwatering and ensure the plant has good drainage. Also, remove any affected roots to prevent the disease from spreading.
Powdery mildew is another common disease that affects Ipomoea alpina subsp. argyrophylla. To manage this disease, use a fungicide or neem oil on the plant as soon it's observed. Check the plant regularly, and remove any affected leaves immediately to prevent the disease from spreading.
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that typically affects the leaves of Ipomoea alpina subsp. argyrophylla, causing them to develop small spots and eventually turn yellow. To prevent leaf spot disease, avoid watering the leaves and spray them with a fungicide to manage the disease.
Pest Management:
Ipomoea alpina subsp. argyrophylla is generally resistant to several pests. However, it can be affected by spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies.
Spider mites are tiny pests that are typically found on the underside of the plant leaves. To manage spider mites, use an insecticidal soap or neem oil on the plant as soon as it's observed.
Aphids are typically found in clusters on young plant growth and plant buds. To manage aphids on Ipomoea alpina subsp. argyrophylla, spray the affected areas with a blast of water and introduce natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings. Alternatively, a pesticide can be used to manage the pests.
Whiteflies are small, winged insects that typically feed on plant sap and leave a sticky residue on the underside of leaves. To manage whiteflies on this plant species, dislodge them by spraying a blast of water on the foliage or introduce natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings. Alternatively, a pesticide can be used to manage the pests.
