Overview
Commelina bequaertii De Wild. is a perennial herbaceous plant from the family Commelinaceae. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, including Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, and Angola.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Bequaert's spiderwort or Bequaert's dayflower.
General Appearance
The plant grows up to 60 centimeters in height with long dark green leaves that are lanceolate and have a hairy texture. The leaves have a unique folding characteristic that gives them a shape resembling a boat. The flower of Commelina bequaertii De Wild. is a bright blue color with three petals and six yellow stamens. The plant blooms from April to November.
Uses
Commelina bequaertii De Wild. has a variety of uses in traditional medicine. The roots are used to treat coughs and colds while the whole plant is used to treat diarrhea and stomach pains. The plant is also used as a laxative and is said to be effective in treating skin diseases and snakebites. The juice from the plant is used to treat eye infections. Furthermore, the plant is used as an ornamental plant and is attractive in gardens due to its bright blue flowers.
Light Requirements
Commelina bequaertii De Wild. typically thrives in bright, indirect light. It can also tolerate partial shade or filtered sunlight. Direct sunlight, on the other hand, can cause its delicate leaves to scorch.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm temperatures within the range of 18°C to 24°C. It can withstand temperatures as low as 10°C, but not for extended periods. Extreme temperatures should be avoided as they can cause damage to the plant. Additionally, dry, hot air can cause the soil to dry out quickly, so it is important to keep the soil moist.
Soil Requirements
Commelina bequaertii De Wild. grows best in well-draining, loose, and loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. The ideal pH range for this plant is between 6.0 and 7.5. Heavy, compacted soils can stress the roots and lead to poor growth. It is also essential to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, as soggy soil can cause root rot.
Cultivation methods
Commelina bequaertii De Wild. plant typically thrives in warm and humid environments, making it an ideal indoor plant. It is crucial to provide the plant with adequate sunlight to promote growth and healthy foliage. The plant can grow in any type of soil, but well-draining soil is preferred as it prevents waterlogging and root rot.
The ideal temperature for growing Commelina bequaertii De Wild. is between 20-27°C, and it prefers a humid atmosphere of about 60-70% to thrive. The plant needs to have good airflow around it, so ensure it is not too close to other plants or objects.
Watering needs
When it comes to watering, it is important to keep the soil consistently moist, but not over-watered. The soil should never be allowed to dry out, but it should not be waterlogged either. If the top layer of soil feels dry, it is time to water the plant.
In hot and dry weather, you may need to water the plant more frequently, but during the dormant phase, reduce watering and only water when the soil is dry.
Fertilization
Commelina bequaertii De Wild. plant is not a heavy feeder, and too much fertilization can lead to stunted growth. You can use a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula, every two weeks during the growing season. During the dormant phase, reduce fertilization or stop it altogether.
Pruning
Pruning is important to promote the growth of new leaves and keep your Commelina bequaertii De Wild. plant looking its best. Use a clean, sharp pair of pruning shears to remove any dead or yellow leaves. You can also pinch back the stems to encourage bushier growth.
Pruning should be done in the early spring, just before the growing season begins. Avoid pruning during the dormant phase as this can stress the plant.
Propagation of Commelina bequaertii De Wild.
Commelina bequaertii De Wild. is propagated mainly through seeds, cuttings and divisions.
Seeding
The seeds of Commelina bequaertii De Wild. are small, black and numerous. They can be directly sown into an appropriate potting mix and the pots are kept moist by covering them with a plastic sheet. Germination usually occurs within two to three weeks if the temperature is kept between 20°C to 25°C and moisture is maintained until seedlings are established, after which the plastic sheet should be removed.
Cuttings
Commelina bequaertii De Wild. can be propagated through cuttings. Cuttings should be made from healthy plants in spring or summer when they are actively growing. The cuttings should be taken from the tip of the stem and should measure about 10 cm in length. The cuttings should be planted in a potting mix, and kept moist until rooting occurs, which usually takes two to three weeks. Temperature should be maintained between 20°C to 25°C during the rooting period to achieve optimum results.
Division
The easiest and most common method of propagating Commelina bequaertii De Wild. is through division. This can be done in spring or summer by carefully excavating a portion of the plant, ensuring that each division has several shoots and a good quality root system. Each division should then be planted into an appropriate potting mix and kept moist until the plant is re-established.
Disease Management
Commelina bequaertii De Wild. can fall prey to various types of diseases, including fungal, bacterial, and viral infections. The plant can suffer from leaf spots, leaf blights, root rot, and stem rot.
The best way to manage plant diseases is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. It includes providing adequate nutrition, avoiding water stress, pruning the dead branches, and improving overall plant hygiene. The use of good quality soil, appropriate irrigation, and maintaining proper air circulation can also help prevent diseases.
In case the plant has already contracted a disease, the first step is to identify the disease's type and severity. Once the disease has been identified, a suitable fungicide or bactericide can be used to manage the disease. However, the use of chemical pesticides should be the last resort and should only be used after consultation with a plant pathologist or horticulturist.
Pest Management
Commelina bequaertii De Wild. may also attract various types of pests, including aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, and scales. These pests can damage the plant by sucking the sap, affecting the leaves, and leading to distorted growth patterns.
The best approach to manage pests is to prevent infestations from happening in the first place. It includes regular inspection of the plant to identify early signs of pest activity, avoiding over-fertilizing, and using organic fertilizers. Insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils, and neem oil can be sprayed on the plant to control pests infestation.
Another recommended approach to managing pests is biological pest control. This method involves introducing natural predators that feed on pests. For example, ladybugs can be introduced to control aphids infestation. However, the successful implementation of biological pest control requires proper planning and assessment of the pest population's ecological balance.
Overall, proper plant management practices, including good nutrition, appropriate watering, suitable soil, and air circulation, can help prevent diseases and pests infestations. Effective pest and disease management practices require a comprehensive understanding of the plant's ecology and the pests and disease's biology and behavior.
