Commelina Plant Care
Commelina ensifolia R.Br.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Commelina ensifolia, commonly known as scurvy weed, scurvy grass or wandering Jew, is an annual herb native to Australia, India, and Sri Lanka.
Bright indirect light
At a glance
How do you care for Commelina?
Commelina grows best in bright indirect light.
What Is the Commelina?
Commelina (Commelina ensifolia) belongs to the Commelinaceae family within the Commelina genus. Commelina is native to Australia, India, and Sri Lanka. Commelina is also known as Dayflower.
Commelina displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Commelina produces small, colorful blooms in shades of blue, purple, or pink.
What Light Does the Commelina Need?
Commelina thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Commelina in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Commelina?
Well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Commelina to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Commelina?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Commelina?
Commelina can be propagated through division, stem cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to native wandering jew plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Commelina Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Commelina, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Commelina?
Commelina is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
Keep exploring plants
Commelina is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Commelina genus — compare its care with other Commelina species on PlantoScan.
Commelina is part of the Commelinaceae plant family — browse all Commelinaceae genera and species.
Commelina thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Commelina Species
Other Commelina species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Commelina ensifolia R.Br., family Commelinaceae (first published in Prodr. Fl. Nov. Holland. : 269 (1810)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Commelina, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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