Contents
Description
Commelina Benghalensis, also known as the Benghal dayflower, is a popular plant among home gardeners and horticulturists due to its stunning appearance and easy-to-care-for nature. It is native to tropical Asia and Africa and belongs to the family Commelinaceae. The plant has dark green leaves that are lance-shaped and can grow up to 10 inches in length. Its flowers are small, blue, and delicate, and they bloom from summer to fall. Commelina Benghalensis is an annual plant that grows quickly and can reach a height of up to 2 feet.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Commelinales |
| Family | Commelinaceae |
| Genus | Commelina |
Appearance
Commelina Benghalensis is a fast-growing plant that can quickly fill up any space it’s given. Its leaves are dark green, lance-shaped, and can grow up to 10 inches in length. The plant’s flowers are small, delicate, and blue, and they bloom from summer to fall. The flowers are arranged in clusters on stems that grow from the base of the plant. Commelina Benghalensis is an annual plant that can grow up to 2 feet in height.
Care Guide
Commelina Benghalensis is a relatively easy plant to care for, making it a popular choice for home gardeners. Here are some care tips to keep in mind:- Water: Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: Use well-draining soil for the plant, and make sure it’s rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: Commelina Benghalensis prefers partial shade but can also thrive in full sun.- Hardiness Zones: The plant grows best in hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Commelina Benghalensis is generally a healthy and pest-resistant plant. However, it can still be susceptible to some pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common ones:- Aphids: These small insects feed on the plant’s sap and can cause stunted growth and yellowing leaves. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to get rid of them.- Spider Mites: These pests are very small and can cause yellowing leaves and webbing on the plant. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap to get rid of them.- Root Rot: Overwatering can cause the plant’s roots to rot, leading to wilting and eventual death. Make sure the soil is well-draining and avoid letting the plant sit in water.
Habitat
Commelina Benghalensis is native to tropical Asia and Africa, where it grows in grasslands, open woods, and waste areas. The plant thrives in warm, humid climates and can tolerate a range of soil types.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Commelina Benghalensis?
A: Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
Q: Can Commelina Benghalensis grow in full sun?
A: Yes, the plant can thrive in full sun, but it prefers partial shade.
Q: How tall can Commelina Benghalensis grow?
A: The plant can grow up to 2 feet in height.
Q: What hardiness zones does Commelina Benghalensis grow best in?
A: The plant grows best in hardiness zones 9-11.
Related Plants
Here are some other plants that are related to Commelina Benghalensis:- Commelina Coelestis- Commelina Diffusa- Commelina Erecta- Commelina Tuberosa
References
– “Commelina Benghalensis.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c550.- “Commelina Benghalensis.” Plant Village, plantvillage.psu.edu/topics/commelina-benghalensis.
