The Benefits and Value of Monochoria korsakowii, plus How to Grow It and What to Watch Out For

Today we are going to introduce a very special aquatic plant called Monochoria korsakowii, also known as the blue bird flower. Its blooming period is concentrated in summer, and when that time comes it produces deep blue flowers in the water, a sight that is especially intoxicating. In addition, it can itself be eaten as a wild vegetable, and in the traditional Chinese medicine text Compendium of Materia Medica it is recorded as having various health benefits such as clearing heat and detoxifying, and draining dampness to reduce swelling.

Monochoria korsakowii is native to eastern and northern China, Japan, Russia and other countries, growing in ponds, rice paddies or shallow water, so it likes a warm environment, with a growing temperature range of 15 to 30°C. It is not very cold-hardy, so in winter you must pay special attention to keeping it warm, otherwise it is prone to disease and withering. In summer, although it likes sunlight, above 30°C it should be shaded appropriately.

As for watering, Monochoria korsakowii has a relatively high demand for water. It is recommended to water every two or three days in spring and autumn, and daily in summer, keeping the soil moist. During occasional high temperatures in summer, you should also increase air humidity by misting to help it grow better.

As for soil selection, it likes pond mud rich in humus. You can mix leaf mold, river mud and garden soil in proportion, so that it both retains water and has a certain degree of air permeability.

As for fertilizing, it is recommended to use a liquid fertilizer or organic fertilizer once a month during the growing period, but be careful not to overdo it. If you do not fertilize during the growing period, then when nutrients are lacking, yellow leaves will likewise occur. However, during high temperatures in summer, the amount of fertilizer should be appropriately reduced to avoid fertilizer burn.

Finally, do not forget to check the plant regularly to prevent pests and diseases. Monochoria korsakowii may encounter fungal infections, or infestations by pests such as aphids and red spider mites. So what are the ways to deal with insects? If there are only a few small eggs, you just need to prune them off and throw them away, then spray a little fungicidal solution; if there are only a few small insects and not many of them, you can spray chili water, edible vinegar or garlic to get rid of them, but if there are many insects you will need to use an insecticide.