Origin
Commelina gerrardii C.B.Clarke subsp. maritima J.K.Morton is a perennial plant species that is native to the southeastern coast of the United States, including Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. It belongs to the family Commelinaceae, which consists of other popular plants such as spiderwort and wandering Jew.
Common Names
The plant commonly goes by the names of Coastal Dayflower, Gerrard Dayflower, Blue Marsh Flower, and Marsh Dayflower. The name Coastal Dayflower is derived from the plant's preferred coastal habitats where it grows in moist soils such as marshes, puddles, and ditches.
Uses
Commelina gerrardii C.B.Clarke subsp. maritima J.K.Morton is considered an ornamental plant because of its delicate blue flowers. It is also used in folk medicine to treat wounds, curb inflammation, and alleviate pain. The plant contains tannins and flavonoids that exhibit anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It is important to note, however, that scientific research on the medicinal benefits of this plant is limited, and it is always advisable to consult an expert before using any plant for medicinal purposes.
Appearance
The Coastal Dayflower is characterized by small, three-petal blue flowers that bloom in the summer and fall. The flowers usually have contrasting yellow stamen and a white pistil. The plant has cylindrical stems that are green or purplish in color and can grow up to 1.5 feet in height. The leaves are simple, lance-shaped, and occur alternately along the stem. The Coastal Dayflower's root system produces small tubers that aid in its ability to grow in low-oxygen marsh environments.
Light Requirements
The Commelina gerrardii C.B.Clarke subsp. maritima J.K.Morton plant requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. A location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day is recommended. In areas that experience hot summers, it may be beneficial to provide some shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent heat stress.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to coastal regions and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It will grow well in USDA hardiness zones 8-10. The optimum temperature range for growth is between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. During the summer months, the plant can tolerate higher temperatures but may show some signs of stress if temperatures exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit or above.
Soil Requirements
The Commelina gerrardii C.B.Clarke subsp. maritima J.K.Morton plant prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. The soil should be rich in organic matter and nutrients. If the soil is poor, amend it with compost, manure, or a slow-release fertilizer. It is important to ensure that the soil does not become waterlogged as this can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Commelina gerrardii C.B.Clarke subsp. maritima J.K.Morton requires a sunny location in any well-drained soil that will keep it evenly moist, but not waterlogged. It can grow in poor, sandy soils, but to enhance the growth, soils rich in organic matter should be used. The plant prefers a warm climate and has low tolerance to frost damage.
Watering Needs
This plant requires moderate watering in its growth season but does not perform well in waterlogged or very dry conditions. Irrigate the plant with water as soon as the soil gets dry, ensuring to avoid waterlogging.
Fertilization
Fertilize the plant once every month in its growing season to maintain its growth. You can use a general-purpose fertilizer with a slow-release nitrogen component on the soil around the roots.
Pruning
Pruning is most effective after the plant blooms. Remove any withered flowers and leaf decay from the plant to avoid spreading the decay to other parts. For an overgrown plant, prune it at the end of the growing season to remove any abnormal growth and thin out any crowded parts.
Propagation of Commelina gerrardii C.B.Clarke subsp. maritima J.K.Morton
Commelina gerrardii C.B.Clarke subsp. maritima J.K.Morton can be propagated through seeds or division of rhizomes.
Propagation through seeds
To propagate Commelina gerrardii C.B.Clarke subsp. maritima J.K.Morton through seeds, collect the mature seeds from the plant. The seeds can be sown in a seed starter mix in a pot or directly into the ground. Cover the seeds lightly with the soil mix and keep the soil moist. Germination typically occurs within 2-3 weeks. Once the seedlings have grown at least two sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Propagation through division of rhizomes
Commelina gerrardii C.B.Clarke subsp. maritima J.K.Morton can also be propagated through division of rhizomes. To do this, dig up the plant and carefully separate the rhizomes. The rhizomes should have at least one growing tip and some roots attached. Replant the divided rhizomes in their permanent location, water thoroughly, and keep the soil moist until the plant is established.
Disease Management
One of the most common diseases that affect the Commelina gerrardii C.B.Clarke subsp. maritima J.K.Morton plant is the fungal disease known as rust. Rust is a common problem in areas with high humidity or frequent rainfall. It appears as small orange or brown spots on the leaves, stems, and flowers.
To manage rust, it is important to remove the infected plant parts and dispose of them properly. It is also recommended to avoid watering the plant from above and to ensure that there is adequate air circulation around the plant. Fungicides may be used as a last resort if the infestation is severe.
Another disease that can affect this plant is leaf spot. Leaf spot is caused by a fungal pathogen and appears as small, circular brown or black spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is important to remove and dispose of infected plant parts, practice good sanitation practices, and provide adequate air circulation around the plant. Fungicides may also be necessary in severe cases.
Pest Management
One common pest that can affect the Commelina gerrardii C.B.Clarke subsp. maritima J.K.Morton plant is the spider mite. They are tiny pests that suck the sap from the plant and create webbing. Spider mites are more common in dry environments and are difficult to see with the naked eye. To manage spider mites, it is recommended to spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil regularly until the population is under control.
Another common pest that can affect this plant is the mealybug. Mealybugs are small, white, cotton-like insects that suck the sap from the plant and secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants. To manage mealybugs, it is important to prune and dispose of infected plant parts and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the population. For severe infestations, systemic insecticides may be necessary.
Finally, another pest that can affect the Commelina gerrardii C.B.Clarke subsp. maritima J.K.Morton plant is the caterpillar. Caterpillars are the larval stage of moths and butterflies and can cause significant damage to the plant by eating the leaves. To manage caterpillars, it is recommended to remove them by hand or use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray which is a biological insecticide that targets only caterpillars and is harmless to other insects, animals, and humans.
