Photo: Pranav Chandra BoseCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Spotted dayflower Plant Care
Commelina maculata Edgew.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's most distinctive feature is its unique, vivid purple and green striped leaves. Originating from South America, Commelina maculata is highly sought after by plant collectors for its striking foliage and ability to thrive in a variety of growing conditions. Its eye-catching appearance makes it a standout addition to any indoor garden or collection.
Every 3–7 days
Bright indirect light
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Spotted dayflower?
Water Spotted dayflower every 3–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
What Is the Spotted dayflower?
Spotted dayflower (Commelina maculata) belongs to the Commelinaceae family within the Commelina genus. Spotted dayflower is native to India, Burma, Bhutan, and southern China. Spotted dayflower is also known as Widow's tears.
Spotted dayflower displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Spotted dayflower produces small, colorful blooms in shades of blue, purple, or pink.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Spotted dayflower?
Commelina maculata requires watering every 3–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Spotted dayflower Need?
Spotted dayflower thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Spotted dayflower in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Spotted dayflower Prefer?
Commelina maculata grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Spotted dayflower prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Spotted dayflower?
Well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Spotted dayflower to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Spotted dayflower?
Feed Spotted dayflower every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Spotted dayflower?
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 Spotted dayflower?
Spotted dayflower 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 Spotted dayflower Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Spotted dayflower, 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 Spotted dayflower?
Spotted dayflower 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
Spotted dayflower 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.
Spotted dayflower 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 maculata Edgew., family Commelinaceae (first published in Trans. Linn. Soc. London 20: 89 (1846)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Spotted dayflower, 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.
- Photo: Pranav Chandra Bose, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- 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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