Origin
Commelina rufipes Seubert var. glabrata (D. Hunt) Faden & D.R. Hunt, commonly known as smooth dayflower, is native to North and South America. It can be found in the United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America.
Common Names
The smooth dayflower has several common names including white-mouth dayflower, white-mouth wandering Jew, rufipes dayflower, red-stemmed wandering Jew, and glabrous wandering Jew.
Uses
The smooth dayflower is considered a weedy species and can be a nuisance in agricultural areas. However, it also possesses medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. The plant is also known for its ornamental value and is used as a groundcover and border plant in gardens.
General Appearance
The smooth dayflower is a herbaceous plant that grows low to the ground and can reach a height of up to 30 cm. It has a slender stem that is reddish-brown in color and hairy towards the base. The leaves are ovate to lanceolate in shape and can reach a length of up to 12 cm. The flowers are three-petaled and bluish-purple in color, with white centers and yellow stamens. The plant blooms from summer to fall and produces small fruit capsules containing black or brown seeds.
Light Requirements
The plant Commelina rufipes Seubert var. glabrata requires a moderate amount of light to grow. This means that the plant should be exposed to at least 6 hours of indirect sunlight daily. The plant can survive in areas with low light, but it may not reach its full potential in terms of growth and flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures and cannot tolerate frost. The ideal temperature range for the plant is between 18°C to 30°C. The plant can survive in temperatures outside of this range but may not grow optimally.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should preferably have a pH range of 6 to 7.5. The plant is adaptable to various soil types, but it grows best in loamy soil with good drainage. It is essential to ensure that the soil does not become waterlogged as this can lead to root rot.
Cultivation methods
Commelina rufipes Seubert var. glabrata is a tropical plant that thrives in the warm and moist conditions of its natural habitat. It is relatively easy to grow, and mostly grown as an ornamental plant. The best way to cultivate Commelina rufipes Seubert var. glabrata is to grow it in a pot or container that is at least eight inches in diameter and is well-draining. The plant can also be grown in a hanging basket or in the garden as a ground cover, provided the soil is well-draining.
Watering needs
Commelina rufipes Seubert var. glabrata requires consistent moisture to thrive. It is essential to keep the soil in the pot or container consistently moist but not waterlogged. The plant should be watered thoroughly, then the excess water should be drained out of the container. During the growing season, which is spring and summer, the plant should be watered at least once a week and more frequently if the weather is particularly hot or dry. In the winter months, the frequency of watering should be reduced.
Fertilization
Commelina rufipes Seubert var. glabrata benefits from fertilizer applications during the growing season. It is recommended to use a complete liquid fertilizer, diluted by half, every two weeks. Alternatively, slow-release fertilizers can be added to the soil when planting the plant. It is important not to over-fertilize the plant, as this can damage its roots and cause it to stop growing.
Pruning
Pruning Commelina rufipes Seubert var. glabrata is not necessary, but it may help to encourage a more bushy and compact growth habit. Pruning should be done in early spring before the growing season starts. The dead or damaged stems should be removed, and the remaining stems should be cut back by a third of their length. This will stimulate new growth and encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
Propagation of Commelina rufipes Seubert var. glabrata
Commelina rufipes Seubert var. glabrata can be propagated through the following methods:
Seed Propagation
Seeds can be collected from mature plants and sown in well-draining soil, kept moist and warm until germination. Seedlings should be thinned out once they have developed their first set of true leaves and transplanted into individual containers. As the plants mature, they can be repotted into larger containers.
Division
Mature plants can be divided in early spring or fall by carefully digging them up and separating the rhizomes into smaller sections. Each section should have several stems and roots. The divisions can be immediately replanted or potted up and kept moist until new growth appears.
Cuttings
Commelina rufipes Seubert var. glabrata can be propagated by stem cuttings taken in early spring or summer. Cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and taken from healthy, mature plants. Remove the lower leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and plant in moist soil or rooting medium. Keep the cuttings humid and warm until roots appear.
Disease Management for Commelina rufipes Seubert var. glabrata
Commelina rufipes Seubert var. glabrata is generally considered to be disease-resistant. However, certain fungal diseases can occur under unfavorable growing conditions or in the presence of other diseases. To manage these diseases, it is important to take preventative measures such as:
- Watering in a way that reduces humidity around the plant
- Avoiding overhead watering
- Cleaning up debris around the plant to reduce risk of fungal spores
- Avoiding overcrowding and overfertilizing of plants
If a fungal disease is suspected, removing diseased plant material and promptly applying a fungicide can help control and prevent further spreading of the disease.
Pest Management for Commelina rufipes Seubert var. glabrata
While Commelina rufipes Seubert var. glabrata is generally pest-resistant, certain insects may occasionally cause damage to the plant. The most common pests that may affect this plant are:
- Spider mites
- Mealybugs
- Scale insects
To manage these pests, it is important to take preventative measures such as:
- Regularly inspecting the plant for signs of pest infestations
- Using insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to control pests
- Avoiding overfertilizing and overwatering, which can attract pests
If a pest infestation is severe, you may need to use a stronger insecticide or hire a professional pest control service to manage the problem.
