Origin and Common Names
Commelina diffusa Burm.f. subsp. aquatica (J.K.Morton) J.K.Morton is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Commelinaceae. This species is native to the tropical regions of North and South America, and it has become naturalized in many parts of the world, including Asia, Africa, Europe, and Australia. Common names for this plant include water spiderwort, water dayflower, and floating spiderwort.Appearance
Water spiderwort is an aquatic plant that typically grows in shallow water or moist soils along riverbanks, ditches, and wetlands. The leaves are alternate and simple, and they are usually pale green or bluish-green. The stems are erect or creeping, and they can reach up to 80 cm in length. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, with three petals that are typically blue or purple and arranged in a triangular shape. The flowers bloom from summer to fall, and they are followed by small capsules that contain one to three black seeds.Uses
Water spiderwort has several traditional medicinal uses in different cultures. For instance, in Jamaica, the plant is used to treat fever, dysentery, and venereal diseases. In Brazil, the root extract is used to treat hypertension and inflammation. In India, the plant is used to treat snake bites, asthma, and jaundice. In addition to its medicinal uses, water spiderwort is also used for culinary purposes in some countries. In China, the stems and leaves are used to prepare a dish called "water bamboo shoots" that is believed to have a sweet and sour taste. In Japan, the young shoots are used in salads or cooked as a vegetable. Water spiderwort is also used for ornamental purposes in aquariums and water gardens. Its floating leaves and delicate flowers provide a natural and attractive decoration that also helps oxygenate the water and provide shelter for aquatic organisms.Light Requirements
Commelina diffusa Burm.f. subsp. aquatica is a plant that thrives in areas with partial to full sunlight. It can grow in areas with filtered sunlight but growth may be slow.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, they prefer temperatures between 20-30°C. It can tolerate temperatures below 20°C but growth may be slow. High temperatures above 35°C may cause the plant to wilt.
Soil Requirements
Commelina diffusa Burm.f. subsp. aquatica grows well in fertile, well-drained, and moist soils. The soil should have a pH between 6.0-7.5. It can also tolerate slightly alkaline soils. The plant is adaptable to various soil types including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, the soil must be rich in organic matter.
Cultivation Methods
The Commelina diffusa Burm.f. subsp. aquatica (J.K.Morton) J.K.Morton plant is primarily grown in aquatic environments such as ponds, swamps, and marshes. This plant is easy to grow and requires little care. To cultivate this plant, you need to create an aquatic environment, including water, soil, and nutrients.
Watering Needs
The Commelina diffusa Burm.f. subsp. aquatica (J.K.Morton) J.K.Morton plant is an aquatic plant, so watering is not necessary. However, the water it is growing in must be sufficient in supply and quality. This type of plant requires clean, open water that is free from pollutants or excessive nutrients. The water pH should be neutral or slightly acidic.
Fertilization
The Commelina diffusa Burm.f. subsp. aquatica (J.K.Morton) J.K.Morton plant does not typically require additional fertilization. The aquatic environment it grows in already contains enough nutrients for proper growth. Adding too much fertilizer could cause an overgrowth of algae or other undesirable vegetation in the water. Therefore, it is best to avoid fertilizing this plant.
Pruning
The Commelina diffusa Burm.f. subsp. aquatica (J.K.Morton) J.K.Morton plant does not necessarily require pruning. However, if it becomes too dense or overcrowded, you can trim it back to prevent it from taking over the pond or swamp. Pruning should be done in spring before the growing season starts. It is essential to remove any dead or decaying plant material as soon as possible to prevent the spread of disease to healthy portions of the plant.
Propagation of Commelina diffusa Burm.f. subsp. aquatica (J.K.Morton) J.K.Morton
Propagation of Commelina diffusa Burm.f. subsp. aquatica (J.K.Morton) J.K.Morton can be done through various methods. The following are the most commonly used propagation methods:
Seed Propagation
The easiest way to propagate Commelina diffusa Burm.f. subsp. aquatica (J.K.Morton) J.K.Morton is through seed propagation. Collect mature seeds, which have brown or black color. Sow the seeds in moist soil, and keep them in a warm and bright area. Germination usually occurs in 2 to 3 weeks.
Division
An established plant of Commelina diffusa Burm.f. subsp. aquatica (J.K.Morton) J.K.Morton can be divided into smaller pieces. This method is best done in spring. Dig up the whole plant and divide it into sections. Make sure each section has a good portion of the roots attached. Replant the divided sections in a suitable location, with soil amended with organic matter.
Vegetative Cuttings
Vegetative cuttings can also be used to propagate Commelina diffusa Burm.f. subsp. aquatica (J.K.Morton) J.K.Morton. Take cuttings from a mature plant, which has healthy stems. Cuttings should be about 6 inches long. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end of the cutting in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a container filled with moist potting soil, and keep it in a warm and humid area. Roots usually develop in 2 to 3 weeks.
Disease Management
Commelina diffusa can be affected by various fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases. The most common diseases that affect the plant are anthracnose, leaf spot, and root rot.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that appears as small, circular spots on the leaves that gradually enlarge and turn brown. To manage anthracnose, it is essential to remove and destroy all infected plant materials and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides can also be used to manage the disease.
Leaf spot: Leaf spot is another fungal disease that appears as small, circular spots on the leaves that gradually enlarge and turn brown. To manage leaf spot, it is crucial to remove and destroy all infected plant materials and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides can also be used to manage the disease.
Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the root system of the plant and causes the plant to wilt and die. To manage root rot, it is essential to improve drainage and avoid overwatering. Infected plants should be removed, and fungicides can be used to manage the disease.
Pest Management
Commelina diffusa can also be affected by several pests. The most common pests that affect the plant are mites, mealybugs, and whiteflies.
Mites: Mites are small pests that suck the sap of the plant, causing the leaves to become yellow and dry. To manage mites, it is essential to remove the affected leaves and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the population.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small pests that appear as small, white, waxy masses on the leaves and stems of the plant. They also suck the sap of the plant, causing it to become weak and stunted. To manage mealybugs, it is essential to remove the affected leaves and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the population.
Whiteflies: Whiteflies are small, white, winged pests that suck the sap of the plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow and drop. To manage whiteflies, it is crucial to remove the affected leaves and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the population. Yellow sticky cards can also be used to trap the pests.
