Origin
Commelina diffusa Burm.f. subsp. scandens (Welw. ex C.B.Clarke) Oberm. is a flowering plant that belongs to the Commelinaceae family. It is native to Madagascar, but it has spread to other parts of the world, including Central and South America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia. It is commonly found in moist areas, such as marshes, swamps, and riverbanks.
Common Names
This plant is known by many common names, including climbing dayflower, viney dayflower, white-mouth dayflower, slender dayflower, and trailing dayflower. The common names reflect the plant's appearance and habits, as it is a climbing plant that produces blue or purple flowers.
Uses
Commelina diffusa Burm.f. subsp. scandens has both medicinal and culinary uses. In traditional medicine, the plant has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, inflammation, and skin conditions. Some studies have confirmed the plant's anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects and its potential use as an alternative medicine.
The plant is also used in some cuisines, such as in Indonesian and Thai cooking, as a vegetable or in salads. The leaves and stems are edible and have a slightly bitter taste, and they are rich in vitamins and minerals.
General Appearance
Commelina diffusa Burm.f. subsp. scandens is a slender, climbing plant that can reach up to 2 meters in length. It has hairy stems and triangular-shaped leaves that are about 3-10 cm long and 2-6 cm wide. The leaves are dark green and have a smooth texture. The plant produces small, blue or purple flowers that have three petals and are about 1 cm in diameter. The flowers bloom between July and November in the northern hemisphere and between January and May in the southern hemisphere. The plant produces small, capsule-shaped fruits that contain brown or black seeds.
Light Requirements
Commelina diffusa Burm.f. subsp. scandens (Welw. ex C.B.Clarke) Oberm. thrives in full sun to partial shade. It can grow in direct sunlight or under the canopy of taller plants. The amount of light it receives affects its growth rate.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species thrives in warm environments with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 30°C. It can survive in hot and humid climates, but it does not tolerate frost or temperatures below 10°C. In areas with cold winters, Commelina diffusa Burm.f. subsp. scandens (Welw. ex C.B.Clarke) Oberm. flowers and sets seed during the warm season.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows well in most well-drained soils, preferring slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. It can withstand periodic droughts, but it does not tolerate water-logged soil. Commelina diffusa Burm.f. subsp. scandens (Welw. ex C.B.Clarke) Oberm. grows in a wide variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
Cultivation Methods for Commelina Diffusa Burm.f. subsp. Scandens
Commelina diffusa Burm.f. subsp. scandens thrives in well-draining soil that retains moisture. The plant prefers partial shade to full sun and requires a warm and humid climate for optimal growth.
You can grow the plant from seeds or by dividing mature plants. Sow seeds superficially on the soil surface, and maintain a constant temperature of 20-25°C for germination to occur within two weeks. When propagating through cuttings, ensure that each division includes a segment of the stem and some roots, and plant them individually in potting soil.
Watering Needs for Commelina Diffusa Burm.f. subsp. Scandens
Commelina diffusa Burm.f. subsp. scandens requires frequent watering to keep the soil moist. During the growing season, water the plant every two to three days, depending on the humidity level and temperature. Reduce watering frequency in the dormant season to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization for Commelina Diffusa Burm.f. subsp. Scandens
Apply a balanced soluble fertilizer every six weeks to maintain healthy growth and encourage flowering. Avoid using fertilizers high in nitrogen, as they can cause leggy growth and delay flowering.
Pruning for Commelina Diffusa Burm.f. subsp. Scandens
Occasionally prune Commelina diffusa Burm.f. subsp. scandens to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Pinch off the tips of long stems to stimulate lateral branching. If the plant becomes too bushy, remove a few of the oldest and overcrowded stems to promote airflow and prevent disease.
Propagation of Commelina diffusa Burm.f. subsp. scandens
Commelina diffusa Burm.f. subsp. scandens, commonly known as climbing dayflower or tropical spiderwort, is a herbaceous plant native to tropical and subtropical regions. Propagation of this plant can be done using various methods, including:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Commelina diffusa Burm.f. subsp. scandens can be sown directly into the soil or started indoors. The seeds should be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist until they germinate. The ideal temperature for germination is around 70-75°F.
Once the seedlings have reached a height of 2-3 inches, they can be transplanted outdoors. The plants require adequate sunlight and moisture for optimal growth. The seedlings should be spaced at least 6-8 inches apart to allow for adequate room to grow.
Division
Commelina diffusa Burm.f. subsp. scandens can also be propagated through division of the rhizomes. The rhizomes should be dug up and carefully separated into smaller sections, each containing at least one shoot and a portion of the root system.
The divided sections should be planted in well-draining soil and watered thoroughly. The plants should be placed in a shaded area until they have adjusted to their new environment. Once established, the plants can be moved to a sunnier location with proper care.
Cuttings
The stem cuttings of Commelina diffusa Burm.f. subsp. scandens can also be rooted in water or well-draining soil. Cuttings should be taken from the stem tips, with at least two nodes present on the cutting.
The cuttings should be planted in well-draining soil or rooting hormone and placed in a shaded area until they have developed a healthy root system. Once established, the plants can be transplanted to a sunnier location for optimal growth.
Disease Management
Commelina diffusa Burm.f. subsp. scandens is relatively disease-resistant. However, some common diseases that may affect the plant include:
- Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by the fungus Cercospora commelinae. Leaves develop yellow or brown spots with purple margins. To manage, remove infected leaves, increase air circulation, and apply a copper-based fungicide.
- Powdery Mildew: This disease is caused by the fungus Erysiphe cichoracearum. Leaves develop a white powdery coating, and may turn yellow and die. To manage, remove infected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and apply a sulfur-based fungicide.
Pest Management
Commelina diffusa Burm.f. subsp. scandens is also relatively pest-resistant. However, some common pests that may affect the plant include:
- Aphids: These small insects suck the sap from the leaves and stems, stunting growth and causing leaf curl. To manage, use neem oil or insecticidal soap, and attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs.
- Spider Mites: These tiny insects also suck sap and cause yellowing and stippling of leaves. To manage, increase humidity around the plant, spray with water to dislodge them, and use neem oil or insecticidal soap.
