Overview:
Commelina bracteosa Hassk. is a herbaceous plant belonging to the family Commelinaceae. This species is native to Southeast Asia, specifically in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. It is also found in Australia, China, and several Pacific islands.
Common names:
Commelina bracteosa is commonly known as blue wandering jew, blue spiderwort, or blue dayflower. In Malaysia, it is called ‘pecah kaca’ which translates to ‘broken glass,’ referring to the plant’s fragile stems and leaves.
Appearance:
Commelina bracteosa is an annual or perennial plant that can reach up to 50 centimeters in height. It has a slender stem that is green to purplish in color with long, narrow leaves that are arranged alternately. The leaves are glossy and have a distinct blue-green color with a purple underside. The flowers of Commelina bracteosa are small, three-petaled, and bright blue in color with a yellow stamen. The plant usually blooms from March to September.
Uses:
The leaves of Commelina bracteosa are sometimes used in traditional medicine to treat skin diseases, kidney problems, and inflammation. The plant is also used in some Southeast Asian countries as a vegetable and is eaten raw or cooked with other vegetables. In Malaysia, the flowers are boiled and used to make a blue dye that is used to color pandan rice. Some people also grow Commelina bracteosa as an ornamental plant in gardens because of its attractive, blue-green foliage.
Light Requirements
Commelina bracteosa Hassk. prefers full or partial sunlight exposure. This plant can tolerate shades but may not produce flowers abundantly.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Commelina bracteosa Hassk. growth is between 15 to 35 degrees Celsius. This plant can tolerate some cold stress but may not survive extreme cold conditions.
Soil Requirements
Commelina bracteosa Hassk. thrives in well-draining soils with good moisture retention, such as loamy or sandy soil. This plant can not tolerate waterlogging or highly saline soils.
Cultivation Methods
Commelina bracteosa Hassk., also known as the blue spiderwort, is a hardy plant that can be grown either in pots or in the ground. The plant prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil pH levels. It can be grown both in full sun and in partial shade.
The ideal time for planting is in the spring, after the last frost date. Plant seeds 1/8 inch deep and 12 inches apart. Once planted, the seeds will germinate within 14-21 days.
Watering Needs
The blue spiderwort requires regular watering. Water the plant whenever the soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering the plant as it can lead to root rot.
When watering, make sure to saturate the soil around the plant and avoid getting the leaves wet. The plant can also benefit from a layer of mulch around the base, which will help conserve moisture and also provide nutrients to the plant.
Fertilization
Commelina bracteosa Hassk. needs regular feeding to ensure healthy growth. The plant benefits from a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or a 14-14-14. Apply the fertilizer every three weeks during the growing season from spring to fall.
During winter, reduce the frequency of fertilization as the plant goes dormant. Use a slow-release fertilizer that will release nutrients over time and will not burn the plant.
Pruning
Pruning the blue spiderwort is not necessary, but it can help to keep the plant tidy and promote healthy growth. Prune back overgrown or leggy stems in the spring to encourage new growth.
To prune, use a clean, sharp pair of pruning shears and make a clean cut just above a leaf or node. Avoid cutting back more than a third of the plant at once as it can stress the plant and affect its growth.
Propagation of Commelina Bracteosa Hassk.
Propagation of Commelina bracteosa Hassk. can be done through various methods, including seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is one of the most common methods of propagating Commelina bracteosa Hassk. Seeds can be collected from the plant and germinated in a nursery for transplanting once they reach maturity. However, the seeds are small and require careful handling during collection and storage.
Once collected, the seeds should be cleaned and stored in a cool and dry place until they are ready for germination. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil or in seed trays. When sowing directly into the soil, it is important to ensure that the soil is well-draining and kept moist until germination.
Vegetative propagation
Commelina bracteosa Hassk. can also be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and should be around 10-15 cm in length.
The cuttings should be taken from the softwood section of the stem and should be planted in a mixture of sand and peat moss. It is important to keep the soil moist and ensure that the cuttings are not exposed to direct sunlight until they have established roots.
Another method of vegetative propagation is division. The plant can be divided into smaller sections, each with its own roots, and replanted in a suitable location.
Regardless of the method used, it is important to ensure that the plants are cared for properly after propagation. Adequate water and nutrients should be provided to ensure healthy growth.
Disease and Pest Management for Commelina bracteosa Hassk.
Commelina bracteosa Hassk. is a perennial herb that grows in wetlands and has several medicinal uses. However, it is also prone to various diseases and pests that can cause damage to the plant. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect this plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Leaf Spot: This disease causes circular, brown spots on the leaves that eventually turn yellow and drop off. The fungus responsible for this disease spreads through splashing water, so avoid overhead watering. Fungicides such as copper-based sprays can help manage this disease.
Root Rot: This disease is caused by a type of fungus that attacks the roots. It causes the plant to wilt, turn yellow, and die. To avoid root rot in Commelina bracteosa Hassk., plant it in well-draining soil and don't overwater it. If you notice signs of root rot, remove the affected plant and improve the soil drainage.
Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves. It can be prevented by avoiding overhead watering and providing good air circulation around the plant. Fungicides can also help manage powdery mildew.
Pests
Aphids: These soft-bodied insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and distorted flowers. To manage aphids, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider Mites: These tiny insects suck the liquid out of the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and dry out. They can be managed by regularly misting the plant to increase humidity and spraying with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Caterpillars: These insects feed on the leaves of the plant and can cause significant damage. Handpicking them off the plants or spraying with Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) can help manage caterpillars.
Overall, proper care such as regular watering, fertilizing, and pruning can help prevent diseases and pests in Commelina bracteosa Hassk.. However, if you notice any signs of disease or pest infestation, it's important to act quickly to prevent further damage and save the plant.
