Plant Description:
Tapiphyllum velutinum (Hiern) Robyns var. laevius (K.Schum.) Robyns is a flowering plant belonging to the Melastomataceae family. The plant is a small shrub that usually grows up to 1-2 meters in height. It has a woody stem, small branches, and oblong-elliptic leaves, measuring about 10–20 cm long and 2.5–7 cm wide. The branches and leaves are covered with fine velvety hair, which give them a soft and dense texture.
Origin and Common Names:
The Tapiphyllum velutinum (Hiern) Robyns var. laevius (K.Schum.) Robyns is native to West Africa, specifically in countries such as Nigeria, Cameroon, and Gabon. The plant is commonly known as “Utu Eme” in Nigeria and “Mbèmby” in Gabon.
Uses:
The Tapiphyllum velutinum (Hiern) Robyns var. laevius (K.Schum.) Robyns is known for its medicinal properties. The bark and leaves are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including malaria, stomach pain, diarrhea, and constipation. The root has been found to have antimicrobial activity, and it is used to treat skin infections and wounds. The plant also has potential pharmacological and therapeutic properties, particularly its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Aside from its medicinal uses, the Tapiphyllum velutinum (Hiern) Robyns var. laevius (K.Schum.) Robyns is also an ornamental plant. It is grown in gardens and parks for its attractive foliage and beautiful flowers. The plant thrives in moist and well-drained soil and requires partial shade to full sun exposure.
Growth Conditions for Tapiphyllum velutinum var. laevius
Tapiphyllum velutinum var. laevius is also known as Velvet Leaf Inca. It is a shade-loving plant with an evergreen habit and requires specific growth conditions for optimal growth. The following paragraphs describe the growth conditions required for this plant to thrive.
Light Requirements
The plant needs partial to full shade to perform well. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, whereas full shade can lead to delayed growth. In their natural habitat, they grow under the canopy of larger trees and receive filtered sunlight. Therefore, they need a shaded area in the garden, either under a tree or on the north side of the house. Artificial lights can also be used to provide the required light intensity.
Temperature Requirements
Tapiphyllum velutinum var. laevius is native to Central and South America. It requires a warm, humid climate with temperatures ranging between 60 and 85°F (16 and 30°C). They are frost-tender and will not survive in temperatures below 50°F (10°C). In regions with colder climates, they can be grown indoors in containers or greenhouses.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 5.0 and 6.5, which is slightly acidic. They grow well in soil mixes with equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and a good quality potting mix. They are sensitive to salt buildup, so regular flushing of the soil mix with water is necessary to prevent plant damage.
Tapiphyllum velutinum var. laevius has specific growth conditions that need to be met for successful growth. By providing the plant with the appropriate light, temperature, and soil requirements, gardeners can expect healthy and robust growth, indicating a thriving and thriving garden.
Cultivation
Tapiphyllum velutinum (Hiern) Robyns var. laevius (K.Schum.) Robyns is a native plant to tropical West Africa. It thrives in warm temperatures and high humidity, making it an excellent indoor plant in most climates. This plant prefers bright indirect light and can tolerate partial shade. It also grows well in peaty, well-draining soil.
Watering Needs
This plant requires consistent watering, but it also needs well-draining soil that doesn't get waterlogged. Water your Tapiphyllum velutinum (Hiern) Robyns var. laevius (K.Schum.) Robyns when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot, and underwatering, which can cause the plant to wilt.
Fertilization
Tapiphyllum velutinum (Hiern) Robyns var. laevius (K.Schum.) Robyns should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer. However, during the dormant season (fall and winter), reduce the frequency of fertilization to once a month.
Pruning
Pruning helps to maintain the size and shape of Tapiphyllum velutinum (Hiern) Robyns var. laevius (K.Schum.) Robyns. It's best to prune the plant during the growing season. Use sharp, clean pruners to make cuts just above a healthy leaf node. Pruning can also help to remove any unhealthy or yellowing leaves and promote new growth.
Propagation of Tapiphyllum velutinum var. laevius
Tapiphyllum velutinum var. laevius is commonly propagated through stem cuttings and seeds.
Stem Cuttings
Softwood cuttings of Tapiphyllum velutinum var. laevius should be taken from a healthy plant during the growing season. Choose a section of stem with at least 2-3 nodes and remove the lower leaves, leaving only 2-3 pairs at the top. Dip the end of the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it in a 50:50 mixture of peat moss and perlite. Water thoroughly and cover with a plastic bag to retain moisture and promote rooting. Place the cutting in an area with bright, indirect light and temperatures around 21-24°C. Roots should begin to develop within 2-4 weeks, at which point the cutting can be transplanted to a larger pot.
Seeds
Seeds of Tapiphyllum velutinum var. laevius should be collected from a healthy plant in the fall or early winter. Soak the seeds in warm water for 24-48 hours to aid in germination. Sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mixture and cover lightly with soil. Water thoroughly and place in an area with bright, indirect light and temperatures between 21-24°C. Germination should occur within 4-6 weeks.
Seedlings can be transplanted to individual pots once they have developed 2-3 leaves. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and fertilize weekly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Disease Management for Tapiphyllum velutinum (Hiern) Robyns var. laevius (K.Schum.) Robyns
T. velutinum is generally resistant to most diseases. However, in rare cases, it can get infected by pathogens such as stem rot, leaf spots, and powdery mildew.
To manage stem rot, infected plants should be removed immediately and disposed of properly, and the remaining plants should be kept away from excessive moisture to prevent further spread. For leaf spots and powdery mildew, a fungicide containing copper or sulfur can be sprayed on the plants, and infected plant parts should be removed and destroyed.
Pest Management for Tapiphyllum velutinum (Hiern) Robyns var. laevius (K.Schum.) Robyns
Like many plants, T. velutinum can be affected by various pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects.
Spider mites can be managed by maintaining high humidity levels around the plants and using neem oil or insecticidal soap spray. Mealybugs and scale insects can be treated by using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them manually or using a systemic insecticide.
Regular monitoring of the plant's health and prompt action in case of detection of any pests or diseases can help in keeping the plant healthy and looking beautiful.
