Commelinaceae
Asiatic Dayflower: Edible Plant
Commelina communis
An easy, low-maintenance annual that thrives in moist, fertile, well-draining loamy soil with partial shade to full sun. Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging, which encourages root rot.
Every 7 days
Partial shade
20° - 35°C
% - %
Categories
What is Asiatic Dayflower?
Asiatic Dayflower (Commelina communis) is a easy-care plant from the Commelinaceae family. Commelina communis is a fast-growing summer annual herb native to East Asia, now naturalized across eastern North America. It produces sprawling, hairless stems with lance-to-egg-shaped leaves and distinctive two-petaled blue flowers that open for a single morning before fading. The young shoots and...
Asiatic Dayflower grows up to 90cm, spread of 305cm, watering every 7 days, 20°C – 35°C. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Asiatic Dayflower tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Asiatic Dayflower is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Asiatic Dayflower?
TLDR: Asiatic Dayflower needs Partial shade, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 20-35°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Asiatic Dayflower?
Water about once a week, keeping soil consistently moist to mesic; avoid letting it sit in soggy conditions since overwatering is the most common cause of root problems.
How Much Light Does Asiatic Dayflower Need?
Grows best in partial shade with 2-6 hours of direct sun, but tolerates full sun; deep shade reduces flowering.
What Is the Best Soil for Asiatic Dayflower?
Prefers fertile, loamy to slightly sandy, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.5).
What Pot Should You Use for Asiatic Dayflower?
Not typically container-grown; if potted, use a wide, shallow pot with well-draining loamy potting mix to accommodate its sprawling habit.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 14 days
Misting
Every 3 days
Rotate
Every 7 days
Repot
Every 365 days
What Is Asiatic Dayflower and Where Does It Come From?
Commelina communis is a fast-growing summer annual herb native to East Asia, now naturalized across eastern North America. It produces sprawling, hairless stems with lance-to-egg-shaped leaves and distinctive two-petaled blue flowers that open for a single morning before fading. The young shoots and leaves are edible with a mild, mucilaginous texture, and the plant has a long history of use in traditional Asian medicine.
How to Propagate Asiatic Dayflower?
Seed sowing
Self-seeds readily; seed capsules containing dark brown, rugose seeds form after flowering.
- 1 Sow seeds directly in moist, fertile soil after the last frost
- 2 Keep soil consistently moist at around 20°C (68°F) until germination
- 3 Thin seedlings once established, spacing to allow sprawling growth
Materials needed:
Stem cutting
Stems root readily at leaf nodes where they touch soil, even without deliberate propagation.
- 1 Cut a healthy stem section with a few leaf nodes
- 2 Place the cutting in water or moist soil
- 3 Keep in bright, indirect light until roots form
Materials needed:
How Big Does Asiatic Dayflower Grow?
TLDR: Asiatic Dayflower can reach up to 90cm tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
90cm
Spread
3.0m
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Deciduous
Plant Uses
Edible
Can be consumed
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Medicinal Uses
- Traditional decoction of the dried plant used for fever, diarrhoea, bleeding and diabetes
- Tea from flowers and leaves used as a mild diuretic and to relieve fever and inflammation
- Crushed plant juice applied to inflamed eyes and used as a throat gargle for sore throats
- Topical use for boils and abscesses
Culinary Uses
- Young shoots and leaves steamed, boiled or fried as a pot herb
- Leaves and flowers eaten raw in salads for their sweet, mucilaginous texture
- Seeds historically used as a famine food
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Asiatic Dayflower?
TLDR: Asiatic Dayflower is susceptible to 2 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Mosaic Virus
Mosaic virus is a group of plant viruses that cause mottled, patchy patterns on leaves and can affect a wide variety of plants. The virus creates characteristic yellow, white, and green mosaic patterns, often accompanied by stunted growth and deformed plant parts. This highly contagious disease spreads rapidly through insect vectors and contaminated tools.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
Choose & Compare
Sources & References
- Commelina communis | NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Commelina communis - Useful Tropical Plants
- Commelina communis: Identification, Health Benefits, Uses, Invasive Concerns, and Pet Safety
- Kordyana commelinae Associated with White Smut-like Disease on Commelina communis
- Dayflowers, Often One Petal Shy - Eat The Weeds
