Contents
Description
Pollia Japonica, also known as the Japanese Pollia or the Blue Fruit Plant, belongs to the Commelinaceae family. It is a perennial plant that is native to Japan and China. It is a small and delicate plant that produces striking blue fruits that are a sight to behold. The fruits are often referred to as the “most beautiful shade of blue in the plant kingdom.”
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Monocots |
| Order | Commelinales |
| Family | Commelinaceae |
| Genus | Pollia |
Appearance
The Pollia Japonica plant grows up to 30 cm in height and 40 cm in width. Its leaves are narrow and lanceolate, and they grow up to 10 cm in length. The plant produces small white flowers that are not very noticeable. However, the real showstopper is the blue fruit that the plant produces. The fruit is a small, round berry that is about 5 mm in diameter. It is covered in a shiny, metallic blue coating that is unlike anything else in the plant world.
Care Guide
The Pollia Japonica plant is not a difficult plant to care for, but it does have some specific requirements. Here are some tips for caring for your Pollia Japonica plant:
Water: The plant prefers consistently moist soil, so make sure to water it regularly.
Fertilization: The plant does not require much fertilization, but you can give it a general-purpose fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade, but it can tolerate full sun if it is not too hot.
Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Pollia Japonica plant is not very susceptible to pests or diseases. However, it can be affected by spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. To prevent these pests, make sure to keep the plant clean and free from dust. If you notice any pests, you can use a mild insecticide to get rid of them. The plant is also susceptible to root rot if it is overwatered, so make sure to water it only when the soil is dry.
Habitat
The Pollia Japonica plant is native to Japan and China, where it grows in shaded areas in forests and along stream banks. It prefers moist soil and partial shade, but it can tolerate full sun if it is not too hot.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Pollia Japonica be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Pollia Japonica can be grown indoors if it is given enough light and humidity.
Q: How often should I water my Pollia Japonica plant?
A: The plant prefers consistently moist soil, so you should water it regularly, but make sure not to overwater it.
Q: What is the best soil for Pollia Japonica?
A: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Pollia Japonica plant?
A: The plant does not require much fertilization, but you can give it a general-purpose fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Related Plants
- Commelina
- Tradescantia
- Spiderwort
- River spiderwort
- Dayflower
References
- “Pollia japonica” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287257.
- “Pollia japonica” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/242862/Pollia-japonica/Details.
- “Pollia japonica (Japanese Pollia)” North Carolina State University, plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/pollia-japonica/.
