Contents
Description
Commelina Communis Var. Ludens, commonly known as the Creeping Dayflower or the Luden’s Dayflower, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Commelinaceae family. It is native to East Asia and can be found in parts of China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. The plant is characterized by its blue or purple flowers that bloom in the summer season.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Monocotyledonae |
| Order | Commelinales |
| Family | Commelinaceae |
| Genus | Commelina |
Appearance
The Commelina Communis Var. Ludens plant grows low, with a height of 15-30 cm and a spread of up to 60 cm. It has branched stems that are smooth and hairless. The leaves are alternate and simple, with a length of 3-8 cm and a width of 1.5-4 cm. The flowers are small and blue or purple, with three petals that are unequal in size. The plant produces fruit in the form of capsules that contain shiny black seeds.
Care Guide
Commelina Communis Var. Ludens is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for taking care of this plant:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full sun exposure.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Commelina Communis Var. Ludens is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can still be affected by the following:
- Aphids: These small insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth and yellowing leaves.
- Spider Mites: These tiny insects can cause discoloration and damage to the leaves of the plant.
- Fungal Diseases: The plant can be affected by fungal diseases such as root rot and leaf spot.
Habitat
Commelina Communis Var. Ludens is native to East Asia and can be found in parts of China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. It grows in moist areas such as meadows, fields, and along riverbanks. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, from sandy to loamy, and prefers partial shade to full sun exposure.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Commelina Communis Var. Ludens poisonous?
A: No, the plant is not poisonous and is safe to handle.
Q: Can Commelina Communis Var. Ludens be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown indoors as long as it receives enough sunlight and is watered regularly.
Q: How often should I fertilize Commelina Communis Var. Ludens?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: How do I propagate Commelina Communis Var. Ludens?
A: The plant can be propagated through division or by planting seeds.
Related Plants
- Commelina Diffusa
- Commelina Erecta
- Commelina Nudiflora
References
- “Commelina Communis.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282801&isprofile=1&basic=commelina%20communis
- “Commelina Communis.” Flora of China. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=200027359
- “Commelina Communis.” PlantNet. https://www.plantnet.org/en/bed/5dc5a5d8-7e6b-4d0a-b6e4-6d4e6f4fd6a7
