Overview
Commelina erecta L. var. angustifolia (Michx.) Fern. is a flowering plant known for its blue-purple flowers. It belongs to the family Commelinaceae, which is native to the Americas. It is commonly found in various habitats such as roadsides, fields, and disturbed areas.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known by its scientific name, Commelina erecta L. var. angustifolia (Michx.) Fern. It is also known by the common names of Wandering Jew, Dayflower, and Slimleaf Dayflower.
Appearance
The plant grows up to 1-2 feet tall and has a spreading growth habit. Its leaves are elongated and narrow, ranging from 3-12 inches in length and 0.1-0.4 inches in width. The flowers grow on long stalks and are usually blue-purple in color, though they can also be pink or white. The plant produces fruits that are small and black, with the seeds enclosed in capsules.
Uses
Commelina erecta L. var. angustifolia (Michx.) Fern. has been used for a variety of medicinal purposes. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and has been used to treat diabetes, arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions. The plant has also been used to treat skin ailments such as burns, wounds, and insect bites. In addition, some Native American tribes have used the plant as a food source and for making dye.
Growth Conditions for Commelina erecta L. var. angustifolia (Michx.) Fern.
Light Requirements: The Commelina erecta L. var. angustifolia (Michx.) Fern. plant requires full sun for optimal growth. The plant must receive a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight a day to grow properly. One of the best ways to support good growth is by providing the plant with as much light as possible.
Temperature Requirements: Commelina erecta L. var. angustifolia (Michx.) Fern. is a plant that prefers warm conditions. It generally grows well in temperatures ranging between 20°C to 30°C. However, if the temperature drops below 15°C, it can cause the plant to die or reduce its growth. It is best to keep the plant in warm temperatures and avoid exposing it to cold environments.
Soil Requirements: The soil must provide good drainage since waterlogged roots can lead to root rot. It is best to grow the plant in moist soil that is well-draining and rich in nutrients. A soil pH between 5.5 and 7.0 is ideal for the Commelina erecta L. var. angustifolia (Michx.) Fern. The plant is not very picky about soil type and can thrive in sandy, loamy, or clay soils as long as they are well-drained.
Fertilizer Requirements: The Commelina erecta L. var. angustifolia (Michx.) Fern. plant requires regular fertilization as it is a heavy feeder. Use an all-purpose fertilizer, according to the package instructions, to promote lush growth and maintain good health. It is recommended to fertilize the plant every four to six weeks during the growing season.
Watering Requirements: The plant requires moderate watering and should be watered only when the top inch of soil is dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, and underwatering can cause the plant to wilt. The best way to water is to soak the soil thoroughly with water and let it drain before replacing in the plant pot.
Cultivation
Commelina erecta L. var. angustifolia (Michx.) Fern. is commonly grown for its attractive blue flowers and vibrant foliage. The plant thrives in climates with warm temperatures and moderate humidity. It can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in spring or summer while cuttings can be taken during the growing season.
The plant prefers well-drained soil with good air circulation and can tolerate partial shade to full sun. It can be grown in containers or directly in the ground. When grown in containers, the plant will require more frequent watering and fertilization.
Watering Needs
Commelina erecta L. var. angustifolia (Michx.) Fern. requires regular watering to maintain evenly moist soil. However, it is important not to overwater as this can lead to root rot. The frequency of watering will depend on the climate and soil type. The plant will require more frequent watering during hot and dry weather.
It is best to water the plant at the base to prevent wetting the foliage, which can promote fungal growth. Inadequate watering can cause the leaves to become wilted and yellow.
Fertilization
The plant benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season to promote healthy growth and flowering. It can be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer every four to six weeks. Alternatively, a slow-release fertilizer can be applied once or twice during the growing season.
Avoid over-fertilization as this can cause excessive foliage growth but fewer flowers. Signs of over-fertilization include burnt and discolored leaves.
Pruning
Commelina erecta L. var. angustifolia (Michx.) Fern. does not require extensive pruning. However, it benefits from occasional maintenance pruning to remove dead or damaged foliage and to shape the plant. Pruning should be done during the growing season when the plant is actively growing.
Deadheading spent flowers will promote new growth and encourage the plant to produce more flowers. This should be done regularly throughout the growing season.
Propagation of Commelina Erecta L. var. Angustifolia (Michx.) Fern.
Commelina Erecta L. var. Angustifolia (Michx.) Fern. is a perennial herb that belongs to the family Commelinaceae. It is commonly known as slender dayflower and is native to North America.
Seed Propagation
One of the easiest and most common methods of propagating Commelina erecta is through seed. Commelina erecta produces small, black, shiny seeds in the late summer and fall.
When propagating with seeds, start by collecting mature seeds in the fall. Sow the seeds in late winter or early spring in pots with well-draining potting mix. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and keep the soil moist.
The seeds generally germinate within two to four weeks. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots. The plants can then be transplanted into the garden after the last frost in the spring.
Division Propagation
Commelina erecta can also be propagated through division. Division is a simple process of dividing the plant into smaller sections and replanting them.
The best time to divide the plant is in the early spring before new growth has started or in the fall after the flowering season has ended. To divide the plant, dig it up carefully, and use a sharp, sterilized knife to divide the plant into smaller sections.
Replant the divided sections in a suitable location that receives partial to full sun and is in well-draining soil. Make sure to water the plants well after transplanting them.
Cutting Propagation
Another method of propagating Commelina erecta is through stem cuttings. Cuttings are generally taken in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Take a cutting of a stem with a length of approximately 3 to 5 inches. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and apply some moisture.
Place the pot in a warm, humid location with bright, indirect sunlight. Keep the soil moist, and within a few weeks, roots should begin to form. Once the roots have formed, the cutting can be transplanted into the garden.
Overall, Commelina erecta is an easy plant to propagate. It can be propagated from seed, division, and stem cuttings. Choose the method that best suits your needs and enjoy the beauty of this lovely perennial herb.
Disease Management
Commelina erecta L. var. angustifolia (Michx.) Fern. can suffer from various fungal and bacterial diseases, which can weaken or even kill the plant. The most common diseases affecting this plant are:
- Leaf spots: These are caused by fungi such as Cercospora, Phyllosticta, and Alternaria, which cause brown, gray, or black spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spots, remove the infected leaves and destroy them to prevent the spread of the disease. Also, avoid wetting the foliage when watering and provide good air circulation.
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that causes a powdery, whitish-gray coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To avoid powdery mildew, maintain good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Additionally, practice good sanitation by removing fallen leaves and cleaning up debris around the plant. Chemical control can include the use of fungicides.
- Root rot: This is caused by fungi such as Pythium and Phytophthora, which thrive in poorly drained soils. To prevent root rot, provide well-draining soil, avoid overwatering, and remove infected plants. Additionally, chemical control can include the use of fungicides.
Pest Management
Commelina erecta L. var. angustifolia (Michx.) Fern. can also suffer from various insect pests, which can affect the plant's growth and development. The most common pests affecting this plant are:
- Spider mites: These pests are tiny and difficult to see, but they can cause significant damage to the plant by sucking the sap from the leaves. To avoid spider mites, keep the plant well-watered and provide good air circulation. Additionally, chemical control can include the use of miticides.
- Caterpillars: Various species of caterpillars can feed on the leaves of the plant, causing holes and skeletonization. To manage caterpillars, handpick them off the plant and destroy them. Additionally, biological control can include the use of natural predators such as parasitic wasps.
- Whiteflies: These pests are small, white, and fly-like, and they can cause yellowing and stunting of the plant. To manage whiteflies, use sticky traps or insecticidal soap. Additionally, good sanitation practices can include the removal of infected plants and the cleaning of tools and equipment to prevent the spread of the pest.
