Beddome's Commelina Plant Care

Beddome's Commelina (Cyanotis beddomei) belongs to the Commelinaceae family within the Cyanotis genus. Beddome's Commelina is native to Kerala and Tamil Nadu states in southern India. Beddome's Commelina is also known as Beddome's Wandering Jew.

Beddome's Commelina displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Beddome's Commelina produces small, delicate blue flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Beddome's Commelina every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Beddome's Commelina thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Beddome's Commelina in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Cyanotis beddomei tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Beddome's Commelina prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, aerated soil mix with added perlite and peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Beddome's Commelina to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Beddome's Commelina every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, aerated soil mix with added perlite and peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Beddome's Commelina is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Beddome's Commelina can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Beddome's Commelina while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Beddome's Commelina is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Beddome's Commelina can be propagated through division, stem cuttings.

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Beddome's Commelina is susceptible to spider mites, aphids. 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.

Beddome's Commelina grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Beddome's Commelina is native to Kerala and Tamil Nadu states in southern India. In cooler regions, grow Beddome's Commelina as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.