Commelinaceae
Whitemouth Dayflower (Commelina erecta): Complete Care Guide
Commelina erecta
An easy-care plant with excellent drought tolerance once established. Thrives in full sun to partial shade with well-draining soil. Water weekly during warm months and reduce watering in winter. Great for native gardens, borders, and naturalistic plantings.
Every 7 days
Bright indirect
10° - 35°C
40% - 70%
Categories
What is Whitemouth Dayflower?
Whitemouth Dayflower (Commelina erecta) is a easy-care plant from the Commelinaceae family. Commelina erecta, commonly known as Whitemouth Dayflower or Erect Dayflower, is a perennial herb native to the Americas. It produces vivid sky-blue flowers with a small white lower petal, each lasting only a single day. A resilient and adaptable plant, it thrives in sunny to partially shaded gardens...
Whitemouth Dayflower grows up to 50cm, with spread of 90cm, watering every 7 days, 10°C – 35°C, 40–70% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Care Guide
How to Water
Water once a week during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry out almost completely between waterings. In winter, reduce to every 10-14 days. Avoid waterlogging, as prolonged wet soil can cause root rot.
Lighting
Prefers full sun to partial shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade is beneficial to prevent leaf scorch. Indoor plants should be placed near a bright, sunny window.
Ideal Soil
Use well-draining soil — a mix of garden soil with sand or perlite works well. Tolerates sandy and loamy soils. Ideal pH range is 6.0 to 7.5.
Recommended Pot
Terracotta or ceramic pots with drainage holes are ideal. Outdoors, plant directly in well-draining garden soil. Avoid pots without drainage.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Repot
Every 365 days
About Whitemouth Dayflower
Commelina erecta, commonly known as Whitemouth Dayflower or Erect Dayflower, is a perennial herb native to the Americas. It produces vivid sky-blue flowers with a small white lower petal, each lasting only a single day. A resilient and adaptable plant, it thrives in sunny to partially shaded gardens and is valued for both its ornamental beauty and traditional medicinal uses across South America.
How to Propagate
Clump Division
Divide in early spring when new growth appears. Use clean tools to prevent disease transmission.
- 1 Carefully lift the plant from the ground or pot
- 2 Divide the root clump into sections, each with healthy roots
- 3 Replant each division in moist, well-draining soil
- 4 Water lightly and keep in partial shade until established
Materials needed:
Stem Cutting
Change water weekly when rooting in water. Rooting hormone can improve success rate.
- 1 Cut a healthy stem 10-15 cm long with a clean blade
- 2 Remove lower leaves, leaving 2-3 at the tip
- 3 Place in water or moist soil mix
- 4 Keep in bright indirect light until roots develop
Materials needed:
Characteristics
Max height
50cm
Spread
90cm
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Deciduous
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Medicinal Uses
- Leaf and stem juice traditionally used in Uruguay to treat eye infections and conjunctivitis
- Research shows antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Common Problems
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Thrips
Thrips are tiny cigar-shaped insects (1/25-inch long) that damage plants by sucking plant juices and scraping at fruits, flowers, and leaves. With over 6,000 species and rapid reproduction (lifecycle as short as 14 days), they can quickly infest plants and transmit viruses like tomato spotted wilt virus.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oïdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.
Meaning & Symbolism
Associated with healing and eye care in South American folk medicine. Used in Uruguay as a juice preparation to treat eye infections and conjunctivitis.
Fun Facts
Each flower lasts just one day — opening in the morning and closing by evening, which is why it is called a "dayflower"
It has been used for centuries in Uruguayan folk medicine as a juice to treat eye infections
Despite its small size, it can spread vigorously through seeds and creeping rhizomes, making it excellent ground cover
It belongs to the Commelinaceae family, the same family as the popular Tradescantia (spiderwort)
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water the Whitemouth Dayflower?
Is Commelina erecta toxic to pets?
How much light does the Whitemouth Dayflower need?
How do I propagate Whitemouth Dayflower?
When does the Whitemouth Dayflower bloom?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peace Lily | Easy | Low light | 4d | ⚠️ |
| Swiss Cheese Plant | Easy | Partial shade | 10d | ⚠️ |
| Golden Pothos | Easy | Low light | 8d | ⚠️ |
| ZZ Plant | Easy | Low light | 18d | ⚠️ |
