Commelina communis: Medicinal Benefits, Indications, and Care Methods

A herbaceous plant commonly seen in rural areas, it has small blue flowers and lanceolate leaves, making it easy to spot on grassy ground. Its name is Commelina communis, also known as Asiatic dayflower or bamboo joint vegetable. In folk medicine, whenever there are ailments such as wind-heat cold or sore, swollen throat, people pick its whole plant and boil it in water to drink. At the same time, if troubled by athlete's foot, it can also be boiled in water for soaking feet, effectively removing odors and bringing a fresh, comfortable feeling to the feet, which is why it is hailed as an indispensable "treasure plant."

Commelina communis is an annual sprawling herb, mostly distributed in China's Yunnan, Sichuan, Gansu and other places, and overseas also in Vietnam, Korea, Japan, the Russian Far East and other regions. For care, it can be propagated by sowing, cuttings, or division. It is recommended to plant it in small courtyards or field areas. As for soil, it is not particularly demanding, because it can thrive in both poor soil and relatively moist places. If planting in pots, it is recommended to use a soil mix of leaf mold, garden soil, and river sand in a 3:2:1 ratio.

When caring for it indoors, Commelina communis has a suitable growth temperature between 15 and 25°C. It has some cold tolerance, but when winter temperatures are too low, insulation measures should still be taken to prevent the plant from freezing. As for light, it is recommended to place it in a spot with bright light but no direct sunlight, such as beside a living room windowsill. If light is insufficient, the plant will grow thin and weak; if too strong, the leaves easily turn yellow.

Commelina communis likes a moist environment, so for watering, follow the rule of watering once the soil surface turns slightly white, and water thoroughly each time. If the air is especially dry, frequently spray water mist around the plant to raise the overall air humidity; doing so can make it grow more vigorously and bloom more brilliantly.

In daily plant care, fertilizer is indispensable. During the growth period of Commelina communis (July to September), it needs regular fertilization. At this time, it is recommended to use compound fertilizer or diluted liquid fertilizer, applying once every half a month to about 20 days, which can promote growth and flowering. In addition, fertilization should be suspended when temperatures exceed the suitable growth range.